Stuff They Don't Want You To Know CLASSIC: What exactly is 'Natural Flavoring'?
May 14, 2024
Delving into the murky world of 'natural flavoring' in food products, the podcast explores deceptive practices, FDA regulations, controversies over high fructose corn syrup, and debates on GMOs. Unveiling the truth behind food flavors, the discussion questions the safety and cost-effectiveness of natural vs artificial flavorings, delves into GMO concerns, and highlights the challenges of defining 'natural' in the food industry.
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Misleading 'Natural' Labeling
- Labels like "all natural" create an impression of healthier food but are often misleading marketing terms.
- These phrases imply superiority but lack clear, enforced definitions by regulatory authorities.
FDA's Limited Role in 'Natural'
- The FDA lacks an official, binding definition of "natural" food labeling, often leaving consumers responsible for interpretation.
- Historical food adulteration scandals prompted FDA's creation, but deceptive packaging still persists today.
FDA's Broad 'Natural Flavor' Definition
- The FDA's definition of natural flavor derives from substances extracted from real foods, regardless of how processed.
- This broad definition allows additives from natural sources, including animal products, in products labeled natural.