According to information available on the FDA website, the current law allows for “fibers in foods to be labeled as dietary fiber without necessarily demonstrating physiological benefits that are advantageous to human health.” Naturally occurring fibers found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have already been confirmed to provide physiological benefits, so correctly labeling products containing these ingredients is not problematic. Furthermore, seven non-digestible carbohydrates — including 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 considering 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. This change would allow more products to carry dietary fiber claims. According to FoodNavigator, ADM has expressed concerns to the FDA, stating, “The agency has not addressed the 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 have incorporated into their products will still qualify as dietary fibers.”
ADM further noted that this delay limits dietary fiber options and has 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 because, as reported by FoodNavigator, 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, before a substance can receive FDA approval, it must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect to human health.” In simpler terms, this means that the substance should contribute to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, improved bowel function, or enhanced mineral absorption in the intestinal tract. Many of these health issues are precisely what consumers aim to address by opting for healthier foods that offer functional benefits, such as those with a molecular weight of calcium citrate, which can aid in better mineral absorption.
According to the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2017 Food and Health Survey, nearly all consumers — 96% — are looking for health benefits in 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 these benefits. This highlights the necessity of a favorable ruling from the FDA that allows food manufacturers to not only effectively incorporate dietary fibers into their products but also label them accurately for consumer benefit.
While there is still time to amend product labels, it is logical for manufacturers to act swiftly. More time to adjust labeling means manufacturers can better understand what appeals to consumers and experiment with new ideas and formulations. Additionally, the sooner the new label is introduced on a product, the more aligned it may appear with the trend toward transparency in food labeling, especially for products containing beneficial components like the molecular weight of calcium citrate.