Natural Foods:
According to the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA), neither the FDA nor the Federal Trade Commission have defined the term "natural" for labeling or advertising purposes. However, labeling and advertising statements and claims are required to be truthful and non-misleading, under pain of FDA or FTC regulatory action. A product labeled or advertised as "natural" should contain, primarily all natural ingredients. The presence of a synthetic chemical in the formulation would technically raise a regulatory issue. Foods designated as natural contain no artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colors, flavors, synthetic pesticides, fungicides, drug residues or growth hormones. These foods are not irradiated and neither ripening agents nor fumigants are used. Additionally, these foods are not bleached or bromated. They are processed, packaged, transported and stored to retain maximum nutritional value and be environmentally friendly.
Organic Foods:
According to Organic Trade Association (OTA), certified organic foods are grown and processed in compliance with stringent industry standards.
Certified organic farms build healthy soil without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.
Certified processors/packers protect the organic integrity that begins on the farm.
Organic packaged products have not been irradiated, made with genetically modified seeds or growth hormones, or produced with artificial flavors or colors.
According to the OTA's American Organic Standards, as proposed in October , 1999, genetically engineered organisms and their derivatives and products are prohibited for foods labeled as "organic" and "made with organic ingredients."
All methods and materials used on certified organic farms and processing facilities are inspected annually by a third-party certification organization. When national regulations for the organic industry are implemented, the government will appoint certification organizations who will inspect farms and processors.
Whole Foods:
Food in its natural state is referred to as whole food. These foods are complex sources as found in nature with all or most of their nutritional components left intact. These foods undergo minimal processing in order to retain these nutritional components. Whole foods are not adulterated or modified with flavor enhancers or artificial colors.