According to information available on the FDA website, current regulations state that “fibers in foods could be labeled as dietary fiber without necessarily demonstrating beneficial physiological effects for human health.” Naturally occurring fibers, such as those present in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have been recognized for their physiological advantages, so accurately labeling products containing these ingredients is not problematic. Furthermore, seven non-digestible carbohydrates—beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose—currently adhere to the existing dietary fiber guidelines.
The FDA is now contemplating expanding this definition by including an additional 26 types of fiber, 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. As reported by FoodNavigator, ADM has expressed concerns to the FDA, stating, “The agency has not addressed the numerous citizen petitions regarding dietary fiber, nor has it issued its updated Scientific Review or provided final guidance, leaving manufacturers uncertain about whether the non-digestible carbohydrates they have been using in their products might still qualify as dietary fibers.”
According to ADM, this delay restricts dietary fiber options and has even led to the removal of dietary fibers from products for companies aiming to proactively align with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines ahead of the compliance deadline. This is significant, considering that the Grocery Manufacturers of America indicates that one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling. The stagnation is primarily due to the requirement that a substance must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect on human health” before receiving FDA approval. In simpler terms, this means it must contribute to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, improved bowel function, or enhanced mineral absorption in the digestive system. Many consumers are seeking to address these health issues by opting for healthier foods with functional benefits.
The 2017 Food and Health Survey conducted by the International Food Information Council Foundation reveals that nearly all consumers—96%—actively look for health benefits in their food and beverages, with the most sought-after benefits being weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health. However, the study also found that only 45% of consumers could name a single food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the necessity for a favorable ruling from the FDA that enables food manufacturers not only to effectively incorporate dietary fibers into their products but also to label them appropriately for consumer benefit.
While there is additional time to amend the labels, it is sensible for manufacturers to expedite this process. A longer timeframe for implementing the label means that manufacturers can better understand consumer preferences and experiment with new ideas and formulations. Moreover, the sooner the new label appears on a product, the more it aligns with the transparency trend that resonates with consumers.
In this context, products like rugby calcium citrate 950 mg can also benefit from clear labeling, ensuring consumers are well-informed about their dietary choices. As the industry navigates these changes, the integration of effective dietary fibers, including innovative options like rugby calcium citrate 950 mg, will become increasingly important for meeting consumer demand and health standards.