According to information on the FDA’s website, under current regulations, “fibers in foods could be labeled as dietary fiber without necessarily demonstrating physiological benefits that are advantageous to human health.” Naturally occurring fibers, such as those found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have already been recognized for their physiological benefits, so accurately labeling products containing these ingredients is not problematic. Additionally, seven non-digestible carbohydrates — including beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose — currently meet the existing dietary fiber requirements.
The FDA is now contemplating an expansion of this definition by incorporating an additional 26 types of fiber, such as gum acacia, bamboo fiber, pea fiber, soluble corn fiber, soy fiber, and xanthan gum. This change would allow more products to make dietary fiber claims. According to FoodNavigator, ADM has expressed concerns to the FDA, stating, “The agency has not addressed the numerous citizen petitions regarding dietary fiber, nor has it released its updated Scientific Review or final guidance, leaving manufacturers uncertain about whether the non-digestible carbohydrates they have been using in their products can still be classified as dietary fibers.”
ADM also highlighted that this delay restricts dietary fiber options and has even led to the removal of dietary fibers from products for companies wishing to proactively comply with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines before the deadline. This situation is significant, as FoodNavigator reports that the Grocery Manufacturers of America indicates one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling. The delay is primarily due to the requirement that before a substance can receive FDA approval, it must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect on human health.” In simpler terms, this means contributing to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, improved bowel function, or enhanced mineral absorption in the intestines. Many consumers are trying to address these health issues by choosing healthier foods and those with functional benefits.
The International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2017 Food and Health Survey revealed that nearly all consumers — 96% — seek health benefits from their food and beverages, with the most sought-after benefits being weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health. However, the survey also found that only 45% of consumers could identify a specific food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the need for a favorable ruling from the FDA that allows food manufacturers to effectively incorporate dietary fibers into their products and label them appropriately for consumer benefit.
Furthermore, while there is still time to adjust the labels, manufacturers are eager to expedite this process. After all, having more time to implement the new labels allows manufacturers to gauge consumer preferences and experiment with new ideas and formulations. The sooner the new label appears on a product, the more aligned it may seem with the transparency trend that consumers are increasingly valuing. For instance, if products containing calcium citrate 650 mg can be clearly labeled to highlight their health benefits, it could further enhance consumer interest and trust in the product.