According to information on the FDA website, current regulations allow “fibers in foods to be labeled as dietary fiber without necessarily providing 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 advantages, making accurate labeling of products containing these ingredients straightforward. In addition, there are seven non-digestible carbohydrates—beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose—that currently comply with the existing dietary fiber criteria.
The FDA is now considering expanding this definition by incorporating an additional 26 types of fiber, including gum acacia, bamboo fiber, pea fiber, soluble corn fiber, soy fiber, and xanthan gum. This would allow a broader range of products to claim dietary fiber content.
As reported by FoodNavigator, ADM has raised concerns with the FDA, stating, “The agency has not addressed 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 qualify as dietary fibers.” ADM further indicated that this delay restricts dietary fiber options and has even led some companies to eliminate dietary fibers from their products to comply with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines prior to the compliance deadline. This is significant, as FoodNavigator notes that the Grocery Manufacturers of America estimates that one in four products is affected by the dietary fiber ruling.
The delay primarily stems from the fact 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 intestinal tract. These health conditions are precisely what consumers aim to address by opting for healthier foods with functional benefits, such as nature’s way calcium citrate liquid.
According to the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2017 Food and Health Survey, nearly all consumers—96%—are in search of health benefits from their food and beverages, with weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health being the top priorities. However, the study revealed that only 45% of consumers could identify a specific food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the critical need for a favorable ruling from the FDA that allows food manufacturers to effectively utilize dietary fibers in their products while also labeling them appropriately for consumer benefit.
While there is still time to modify product labels, it is prudent for manufacturers to act swiftly. After all, having more time to implement the label means that manufacturers can better gauge consumer preferences and experiment with new ideas and formulations. Moreover, the sooner the new label appears on a product, the more aligned it may be with the growing trend of transparency in the food industry, which includes options like nature’s way calcium citrate liquid.