USA: New trade organisation set up to define "natural"

A new trade body - the Organic and Natural Health Association (ONHA) - was launched officially at the SupplySide West show that took place in Las Vegas on 8 – 9 October 2014. Its specific mission is to create a practical definition of natural. ONHA says it has come together to “seize hold of the issue with a definition and certification programme”. Karen Howard, the director, plans to hold meetings with industry stakeholders and promises a transparent and open process, Natural Product News reports. The natural certification shall be applied to food, cosmetics, personal care and pet products.
 

The initiative comes as the use of ‘natural’ is under increasing scrutiny of corporate lawyers, according to Natural Product News, and there are also fears that Congress may create a definition of ‘natural’ that would include GMOs. Other industry and consumer organisations in the USA have tried to develop a working definition of ‘natural’, but with only limited success. According to Ms Howard, a consensus is more achievable now. More information is available here