The debate on labeling chicken as ‘natural’

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking another look at their policy towards the labeling chicken as "natural". As it stands, a poultry product can be labeled "natural" as long as it doesn't contain artificial flavors or chemical preservatives. But many politicians and health advocates are bringing up the issue that about a third of the chicken sold in the US is injected with additives that can account for up to 15% of its weight, doubling and even tripling its sodium content.

Due to the concern, new rules on food labeling will be issued this fall by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The poultry producer Perdue is also backing these new labeling policies and has even joined Truthful Labeling Coalition.

Perdue spokesman Luis Luna stated, "Our labels say natural or all natural only if there is nothing added. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to label poultry that has been enhanced with water or broth or solutions as natural, or all natural."

This article appears in Jul 29 – Aug 4, 2010.