How does a food labeled as "natural" generally differ from other labels?

Food labeled as "natural" generally suggests that the product undergoes minimal processing and does not contain artificial ingredients or preservatives, though it does not necessarily speak to the farming practices involved in its production. This label implies that the ingredients are closer to their original forms, but it is important to note that "natural" does not have a standardized definition enforced by any governing body, which means that its interpretation can vary across different brands and products.

In contrast to the other choices, this distinction highlights that "natural" primarily refers to processing rather than the agricultural methods used to grow the food. While consumers may intuitively associate "natural" with healthy practices, the reality is that the term lacks strict regulatory oversight, meaning it can be used without guaranteed adherence to specific farming standards or practices.