Natural is a confusing term for consumers. As we explored in an episode of our podcast, "What You're Eating," most people don't know what it means or if it's a regulated term. Is it the same as organic? Does it mean animals were treated well or that food was produced without synthetic chemicals? Food companies take full advantage of that ignorance, using natural as a centerpiece in promotion campaigns that paint a picture of wholesome, simple production that often looks nothing like reality. But a recent settlement against Hormel Foods, a meat processor, marks a successful attempt to fire back against the food industry's deliberate attempts to mislead the public.
