The American Heritage Dictionary defines natural food as
food that contains no additives, as preservatives or
artificial coloring or flavoring.
According
to the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the USDA, (the government
body that regulates food labeling), All fresh meat qualifies
as "natural." Products
labeled "natural" cannot contain any artificial flavor or flavoring,
coloring ingredient, chemical preservative, or any other artificial or synthetic
ingredient; and the product and its ingredients are not more than minimally
processed (ground, for example). All products claiming to be natural should
be accompanied
by a brief statement which explains what is meant by the term "natural."
That's
it! No mention of growing techniques. No restrictions on feed, veterinary
care, or growth stimulants. If a rancher decides to raise cattle without
antibiotics or growth hormones, an additional label is added to the package.
On the other hand, organic cattle cannot be certified after
they're born.
To become certified, an expecting cow must be moved to certified organic
pasture prior to the final trimester of her pregnancy. The
resulting calf then enters
the program and must be raised in strict accordance to the regulations
of the National Organic Program.
Sources:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/focusbeef.htm
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NOP/standards.htm
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