Scattered among the dictionary definitions for “natural,” one reads: “formulated by human reason alone rather than revelation.” This definition comes to mind when considering recent decisions in the proliferating world of food labeling class actions challenging use of the term “natural.” In these cases, judicial “reason alone” is increasingly doing away with complaints alleging far-fetched notions of what the word “natural” means to consumers.

The “natural” class action reflects the rise in litigation against food and beverage manufacturers over the past 10 years. In a typical case, plaintiffs allege the defendant misleadingly labels its product as “natural,” despite the product containing something the plaintiff considers “unnatural.” Click here to read the full article*.

*The National Law Journal is a subscription based publication.