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Statement of Need: A codified "natural" claim definition will reduce uncertainty about which products qualify to be labeled as "natural" and will increase consumer confidence in the claim. A codified "natural" definition that clearly articulates the criteria that meat and poultry products must meet to qualify to be labeled as "natural" will make the Agency's approval of "natural" claims more transparent and will allow the Agency to review labels that contain "natural" claims in a more efficient and consistent manner. A codified "natural" definition will also make the claim more meaningful to consumers.

Summary of the Legal Basis: 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.; 21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.

Alternatives: The Agency has considered not proceeding with rulemaking and maintaining the existing policy guidance on "natural" claims and using that policy guidance to evaluate "natural" claims on a case-by-case basis. The Agency has also considered alternative definitions of "natural" and establishing separate codified definitions of "natural," "natural...minimally processed," and "natural...minimally processed/all natural ingredients."

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: FSIS anticipates that a clear and simple definition of "natural" will minimize cognitive costs to consumers. FSIS also anticipates benefits from a consistent USDA policy on "natural" claims. FSIS anticipates costs to establishments to change their labels or change their production practices.

Risks: None