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USDA/FSIS RIN: 0583-AD30 Publication ID: Fall 2011 
Title: Product Labeling: Use of the Voluntary Claim "Natural" on the Labeling of Meat and Poultry Products 
Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to define the conditions under which it will permit the voluntary claim "natural" to be used in the labeling of meat and poultry products. FSIS is also proposing that label approval requests for labels that contain "natural" claims include documentation to demonstrate that the products meet the criteria to bear a "natural" claim. FSIS is proposing to require that meat or poultry products meet these conditions to qualify for a "natural" claim to make the claim more meaningful to consumers. 
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317    9 CFR 381   
Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq    21 USC 451 et seq   
Legal Deadline:  None

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

Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
ANPRM  09/14/2009  74 FR 46951   
ANPRM Comment Period End  11/13/2009    
NPRM  09/00/2012    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Rosalyn Murphy-Jenkins
Director, Labeling and Program Delivery Staff (LPDS)
Department of Agriculture
Food Safety and Inspection Service
Office of Policy and Program Development, Patriots Plaza 3, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 8-148, Mailstop 5273,
Washington, DC 20250-5273
Phone:301 504-0879
Fax:202 245-4792
Email: rosalyn.murphy-jenkins@fsis.usda.gov