According to information on the FDA website, current regulations allow for “fibers in foods to be labeled as dietary fiber without necessarily demonstrating physiological benefits for human health.” Naturally occurring fibers, like those in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have been recognized for their health benefits, making accurate labeling of products containing these ingredients straightforward. Additionally, 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 criteria.
The FDA is contemplating a revision of this definition by incorporating 26 additional types of fiber, such as gum acacia, bamboo fiber, pea fiber, soluble corn fiber, soy fiber, and xanthan gum. This change would allow a greater number of products to claim dietary fiber content. As reported by FoodNavigator, ADM has expressed concerns to the FDA, stating, “The agency has not addressed numerous citizen petitions regarding dietary fiber, nor released their updated Scientific Review or final guidance, leaving manufacturers uncertain about whether the non-digestible carbohydrates they utilize in their products will still qualify as dietary fibers.”
ADM further indicated that this delay restricts dietary fiber options and even led some companies to remove dietary fibers from their products in an effort to comply with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines ahead of the deadline. This situation is significant, as the Grocery Manufacturers of America reports that one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling. The delay stems primarily from the requirement that any substance must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect on human health” before receiving FDA approval. In simpler terms, this means that the substance should help reduce blood glucose and cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, improve bowel function, or enhance mineral absorption in the intestine. These health benefits are precisely what consumers aim to achieve by choosing healthier foods.
According to the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2017 Food and Health Survey, nearly all consumers—96%—seek health benefits from their food and beverages, with common goals including weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health. However, the survey also revealed that only 45% of consumers could name a single food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the critical need for a favorable ruling from the FDA that allows food manufacturers not only to utilize dietary fibers effectively but also to label their products accurately for consumer benefit.
While there is still time to modify the labels, it is logical for manufacturers to expedite the process. More time to implement the new label means manufacturers can better understand consumer preferences and experiment with new ideas and formulations. The sooner the new label appears on products, the more aligned they may seem with the transparency trend that consumers value. Furthermore, products like calcium citrate 250 tablets could potentially benefit from enhanced dietary fiber labeling, as such transparency could attract health-conscious consumers looking for products that support their wellness goals. Ensuring that consumers can easily identify dietary fibers and their corresponding health benefits is essential, especially as the market evolves and more options like calcium citrate 250 tablets enter the scene.