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 physiological benefits, so proper labeling of products containing these ingredients is straightforward. Additionally, seven non-digestible carbohydrates—beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose—currently meet the existing guidelines for dietary fiber.
The FDA is 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 issued its updated Scientific Review or final guidance, leaving manufacturers uncertain about whether the non-digestible carbohydrates they use in their products can still be classified 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 wishing to proactively comply with new Nutrition Facts guidelines before the deadline. This is significant, as FoodNavigator reports that the Grocery Manufacturers of America indicates one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling.
The holdup largely stems from the requirement that a substance must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect to human health” before it can receive FDA approval. In simpler terms, this means that the fiber must contribute to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, improved bowel function, or enhanced mineral absorption in the intestines. Many consumers are trying to address these health issues by choosing healthier foods, including those that provide functional benefits, such as calcium citrate magnesium and zinc with vitamin D3 in pregnancy.
According to the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2017 Food and Health Survey, almost all consumers—96%—are looking for health benefits from their food and drink, 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 identify a single food or nutrient linked to those benefits. This highlights the need for a satisfactory ruling from the FDA that enables food manufacturers to effectively incorporate dietary fibers into their products and label them appropriately for consumer benefit.
While there is still time to modify the labels, it makes sense for manufacturers to expedite the process. More time for label implementation allows companies to gauge consumer preferences and experiment with new ideas and formulations. Additionally, the sooner a new label appears on a product, the more aligned it may seem with the growing trend of transparency among consumers, particularly for products that include beneficial ingredients like calcium citrate magnesium and zinc with vitamin D3 in pregnancy.