JOHN DEININGER, QA MANAGER, DIDION MILLING: Science, rather than popular opinion, should determine whether an ingredient is ‘acceptable’
Next we spoke to John Deininger, quality assurance manager at Didion Milling.
Is the threat of being sued putting more manufacturers making ‘natural’ claims or using certain ingredients, especially if they are made from GM crops?
Ultimately, the use of ‘natural’ as it relates to GM will be decided through regulation or legislation. GM crops are permitted and regulations do not address the term “natural” in relation to GM, so the threat of law suits against manufacturers seems unreasonable until regulations are established.
Who is driving the ‘clean-label’ agenda?
Clean labels are desirable for a variety of reasons and valued by a broad spectrum of manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Manufacturers may find that an ingredient without additives, preservatives or colors conveys a product that is easily understood. Label space is also conserved with simple ingredient lines. There are retailers that devote shelf space or, in some cases, their entire floor space to products that are “natural” or perceived as “natural.” There is obviously a consumer base that chooses to purchase products with clean labels. Millennials are among the market segments that value simple ingredient lines for the products that they purchase.
Do the ‘unacceptable’ ingredients on some blacklists really deserve to be there?
Science, rather than popular opinion, should determine whether an ingredient is’ acceptable’ or not.
Should the FDA define ‘natural?’
If the word ‘natural’ is to have universal meaning, it will have to be defined by the FDA. Meanwhile we’ll rely on their stance stated on the FDA.gov website [‘the agency has not objected to the use of the term if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances’].
Will shoppers accept new healthy ingredients if they are made with genetic engineering?
There is no universal answer to that question. Some customers seek non-GM ingredients. Others do not. Such labeling would complicate labels for manufacturers. It remains to be seen whether the majority of customers would make purchasing decisions based a GM statement or whether they would perceive a GM ingredient less healthy than a non-GM ingredient.
Main picture: Daniel Lobo, Flickr