According to information available on the FDA website, under the 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, such as those found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have been established as having physiological benefits, so accurately labeling products that contain these ingredients is not problematic. Moreover, seven non-digestible carbohydrates—beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose—currently comply with 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 change 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 responded to 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 are using in their products might still qualify as dietary fibers.” ADM pointed out that this delay restricts dietary fiber options and has even led to the removal of dietary fibers from products for companies looking to proactively align with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines before the compliance deadline. This is significant because, according to FoodNavigator, the Grocery Manufacturers of America indicates that one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling.
The delay primarily stems from the need for a substance to demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect to human health” before receiving FDA approval. In simpler terms, this means that the substance must contribute to reducing blood glucose and cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, enhancing bowel function, or improving mineral absorption in the intestinal tract. Many consumers aim to address these health conditions by opting for healthier foods that offer functional benefits. The International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2017 Food and Health Survey revealed that nearly all consumers—96%—actively seek health benefits from their food and beverages, with the primary benefits being weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health. However, only 45% of consumers could identify a specific food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This finding highlights the necessity for a satisfactory ruling from the FDA that allows food manufacturers to effectively use dietary fibers in their products and label them appropriately for consumer benefit.
While there is still time to adjust labeling, manufacturers have a strong incentive to expedite this process. More time for implementation means manufacturers can better understand consumer preferences and experiment with new ideas and formulations. Furthermore, the earlier a new label appears on a product, the more aligned it may seem with the trend toward transparency among consumers. For instance, products like calcium citrate chewable 1000mg could benefit from clear labeling that highlights their dietary fiber content, thereby appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for functional benefits. In summary, with the FDA’s potential revisions, products enriched with dietary fibers, such as calcium citrate chewable 1000mg, could effectively communicate their health advantages, satisfying both regulatory standards and consumer demands.