According to information on the FDA website, under current regulations, “fibers in foods could be labeled as dietary fiber without necessarily providing physiological effects that are beneficial to human health.” Naturally occurring fibers found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have been established to offer health benefits, making accurate labeling of products containing these ingredients straightforward. Moreover, seven non-digestible carbohydrates—beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose—already comply with existing dietary fiber guidelines. The FDA is now contemplating expanding this definition to include an additional 26 fiber types, such as gum acacia, bamboo fiber, pea fiber, soluble corn fiber, soy fiber, and xanthan gum. This expansion would allow more products to make dietary fiber claims.
FoodNavigator reports that ADM has raised concerns with the FDA, stating, “The agency has not responded to the many citizen petitions on dietary fiber, nor issued their updated Scientific Review, nor provided 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 emphasized that this delay restricts dietary fiber options and has led some companies to remove dietary fibers from their products in an attempt to comply with new Nutrition Facts guidelines ahead of the deadline. This situation is significant, as the Grocery Manufacturers of America indicates that one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling.
The delay primarily stems from the requirement that any substance must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect on human health” to receive FDA approval. In simpler terms, this means it should contribute to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, enhance bowel function, or increase mineral absorption in the intestines—many of the health issues consumers are aiming to address by choosing healthier options. According to the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2017 Food and Health Survey, nearly all consumers—96%—look for health benefits in their food and drink, with the most sought-after benefits being weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health. However, only 45% of consumers could pinpoint any food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the necessity for a favorable ruling from the FDA that allows food manufacturers to effectively utilize dietary fibers in their products and label them properly for consumer awareness.
While there is still time to revise the labels, manufacturers are keen to act quickly. An earlier implementation of the new labels affords them the opportunity to gauge consumer reactions and experiment with new ideas and formulations. Additionally, the sooner a product displays the new label, the more aligned it appears with the trend toward transparency—an essential aspect for consumers seeking healthy options, including those enriched with calcium citrate. By integrating these healthier alternatives into their offerings, companies can better meet consumer demands and expectations.