Ryan Tu, Three Bridges and TableRunner: By default we follow the USDA’s guidelines
Next we spoke to Ryan Tu, co-founder and CEO of frozen food brand Three Bridges and online meal delivery service TableRunner.
Three Bridges products are regulated by both the FDA (non-meat) and the USDA (meat). The interesting dichotomy is that while USDA has a clear definition of natural that is approved with every label, the FDA does not. Which means by default we follow the USDA’s guidelines. More important than playing a regulatory game, the company’s own standards do more in terms of self-regulating the use and claim of natural ingredients. For example at Three Bridges, ingredients must be wholesome, recognizable, and minimally processed just as you would expect to find at a farmer’s market. We welcome any regulation that limits the ability of food processors to pretend to be natural.