According to the FDA website, current regulations state that “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, are already recognized for their physiological benefits, making accurate labeling of products containing these ingredients straightforward. Furthermore, seven non-digestible carbohydrates—beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose—currently meet the existing dietary fiber criteria. The FDA is now contemplating expanding this definition to include an additional 26 types of fiber, such as gum acacia, bamboo fiber, pea fiber, soluble corn fiber, soy fiber, and xanthan gum, which would allow more products to make dietary fiber claims.
According to FoodNavigator, 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 their final guidance, leaving manufacturers uncertain about whether the non-digestible carbohydrates they have been using in their products might still qualify as dietary fibers.” ADM further noted that this delay restricts dietary fiber options and has even led some companies to eliminate dietary fibers from their products as they aim to comply with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines ahead of the deadline. This issue is significant, considering that the Grocery Manufacturers of America reports that one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling.
The delay primarily arises because substances must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect to human health” before receiving FDA approval. In simpler terms, this means they should contribute to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, improved bowel function, or enhanced mineral absorption in the intestines. Many consumers are striving to address these health concerns by choosing healthier foods with functional benefits.
The 2017 Food and Health Survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation found that nearly all consumers—96%—are looking for health benefits from their food and beverages, with the most sought-after benefits being weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health. However, the study revealed that only 45% of consumers could name a single food or nutrient linked to those benefits. This highlights the necessity for a clear ruling from the FDA that not only allows food manufacturers to effectively incorporate dietary fibers into their products but also enables appropriate labeling for consumer benefit.
While there is still time to modify labels, manufacturers are understandably eager to expedite the process. More time for label implementation means more opportunities for manufacturers to gauge consumer preferences and experiment with new ideas and formulations. Additionally, the earlier the new label appears on a product, the more aligned with the trend towards transparency it may seem to consumers. As an example, products like calcium citrate liquid Walgreens could benefit from timely and accurate labeling, ultimately enhancing consumer trust and satisfaction.