According to information on the FDA website, under 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 found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have already been recognized for their health benefits, so accurately labeling products that contain these ingredients is straightforward. Additionally, there are seven non-digestible carbohydrates that meet the existing dietary fiber criteria: beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
The FDA is now evaluating the possibility of expanding the definition of dietary fiber to include an additional 26 types, 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. According to FoodNavigator, ADM has expressed concerns to the FDA, stating, “The agency has not responded to the many citizen petitions on dietary fiber, nor issued their updated Scientific Review, nor provided final guidance, leaving manufacturers uncertain about whether the non-digestible carbohydrates they have been using in their products may still be classified as dietary fibers.”
ADM has pointed out that this delay restricts dietary fiber options and has even led some companies to remove dietary fibers from their products as they try to comply with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines ahead of the deadline. This is significant, as FoodNavigator reports that the Grocery Manufacturers of America indicates that one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling. The delay is primarily due to the requirement that any substance must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect on human health” before receiving FDA approval. In simpler terms, this means it should help reduce blood glucose and cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, improve bowel function, or enhance mineral absorption in the intestines. These are the very health concerns that consumers aim to address by choosing healthier foods, such as those containing Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc.
According to the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2017 Food and Health Survey, nearly all consumers—96%—are looking for health benefits from their food and beverages, with weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health being the most sought-after benefits. However, only 45% of consumers could identify a single food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the critical need for a clear ruling from the FDA that allows food manufacturers to effectively incorporate dietary fibers like Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc into their products and label them properly for consumer benefit.
While there is still time to update the labels, it is logical for manufacturers to expedite the process. More time for label implementation allows companies to gauge consumer preferences and experiment with new ideas and formulations. The sooner the new label featuring ingredients such as Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc appears on a product, the more aligned it may appear with the growing trend toward transparency among consumers.