Food labeling, including the term “natural” as it pertains to meat and poultry, was the topic of discussion at the Prime Label Consultants’ 20th annual Federal Food Regulatory Conference. There is increasing pressure on food manufacturers to label products accurately, although some labels are more successful with respect to health issues than others.

Food labeling has always been an important issue, although consumers are increasingly interested in nutritional, children’s, natural, and organic labeling. There is currently no clear meaning to the terms “natural” or “naturally raised” as they pertain to meat and poultry.

Some health related labels are more successful than others in the market. For example, the American Heart Association symbol is the “kiss of death” for products while the word “fresh” makes a product more attractive.