According to information on the FDA website, current regulations state that “fibers in foods could be labeled as dietary fiber without necessarily demonstrating physiological effects that are beneficial to human health.” Naturally occurring fibers, such as those found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have been recognized for their physiological benefits, so correctly labeling products containing these ingredients is straightforward. Furthermore, seven non-digestible carbohydrates—beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose—currently comply with 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 claim dietary fiber content.
FoodNavigator reports that ADM has raised concerns with the FDA, stating, “The agency has not responded to numerous citizen petitions on dietary fiber, nor has it issued its updated Scientific Review or final guidance, leaving manufacturers uncertain about whether the non-digestible carbohydrates they have been using in their products may still qualify as dietary fibers.” ADM emphasized that this delay restricts dietary fiber options and has even led some companies to remove dietary fibers from their products in an effort to comply with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines before the deadline. This is significant, as the Grocery Manufacturers of America indicates that one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling.
The delay primarily stems from the requirement that a substance must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect to human health” before receiving FDA approval. Essentially, this means it should contribute to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, improved bowel function, or enhanced mineral absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Many of these health issues are what consumers aim to address by choosing healthier foods, including those with functional benefits like citrate D3.
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 weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health being the most sought-after benefits. However, the study revealed that only 45% of consumers could identify a single food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the necessity for a conclusive ruling from the FDA that allows food manufacturers to effectively incorporate dietary fibers into their products and label them accurately for consumer benefit.
While manufacturers have more time to adjust their labels, it makes sense for them to expedite the process. After all, having additional time for label implementation means they 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, appealing to consumers who value clarity in nutritional information, including benefits associated with citrate D3.