[curiouscat]

Is it true that if I make a flavor molecule using a genetically modified bacteria or an enzyme acting on a substrate I can still call it "natural" but not if I did the same using chemical synthesis?

Is this rational or just an ad hoc classification?

[Dan]

I think the definition of "natural" in this context depends on the country.

Example from the UK (p19): http://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/multimedia/pdfs/markcritguidance.pdf

It would seem that using GM microbes = non-natural in the UK.

In the UK, it appears that "natural" means it has not been tainted by the black arts of science. You can probably only use traditional witchcraft for natural flavourings.

There is some general info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_foods

[Arkcon]

Where I'm at currently, there are a number (at least two, maybe three) registries of what constitutes a "natural" ingredient or preservative.  I'm given to understand its hard to comply with all of them, or any of them, depending on the application.  It seems to me, in adverts, that "non-GMO" has to be mentioned along with "all natural" so I have to guess they're non-exclusive terms otherwise.

[curiouscat]

Thanks! I need to read into this.

Context: Products labelled "all natural" used to actually use flavors extracted from plants, trees etc.

From what I heard many of these are now trying to cut costs but still label themselves as "natural" by switching the tree-extracted component by a enzymatic-ally / bacterially synthesized analog.

Sounded a bit like cheating to me to call this replacement "natural". Hence my question.

[curiouscat]

It seems to me, in adverts, that "non-GMO" has to be mentioned along with "all natural" so I have to guess they're non-exclusive terms otherwise.

Just to clarify, you mean there can be "all natural" labelled products that *are* GMO?

[Yggdrasil]

In the US, the term "natural" on foods is not regulated (http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm214868.htm, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_foods#United_States), so it's essentially a meaningless advertising term.

[curiouscat]

Found a nice, but somewhat dated Scientific American article on this issue of "Artificial vs Natural".

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-the-difference-be-2002-07-29/?print=true