According to information from the FDA website, current regulations allow for “fibers in foods to be labeled as dietary fiber without necessarily providing beneficial physiological effects for human health.” Naturally occurring fibers found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have already been recognized for their health benefits, making accurate labeling of products containing these ingredients 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 an expansion of 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, which would allow more products to claim dietary fiber content.
As reported by FoodNavigator, ADM has raised concerns with 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 further noted that this delay restricts 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 is significant because, according to Grocery Manufacturers of America, one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling.
The delay primarily stems 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 fiber must contribute to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, improved bowel function, or enhanced mineral absorption in the intestines. These health benefits are exactly what consumers aim to achieve through healthier eating.
The 2017 Food and Health Survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation reveals that nearly all consumers—96%—actively seek health benefits from their food and beverages, with the most sought-after benefits being weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health. However, the survey also indicated that only 45% of consumers could identify a specific food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the necessity for a favorable ruling from the FDA that allows food producers not only to effectively incorporate dietary fibers into their products but also to label them appropriately for consumer benefit.
While there is still time to adjust the labels, it is logical for manufacturers to expedite this process. More time to implement the new label allows manufacturers to better understand consumer preferences and experiment with new ideas and formulations. The earlier a product sports the new label, the more aligned it appears with the trend of transparency that resonates with consumers. Moreover, the inclusion of ingredients like calcium citrate bulk could enhance the nutritional profile of products, further appealing to health-conscious consumers. By ensuring that dietary fibers, including those associated with calcium citrate bulk, are accurately represented on labels, manufacturers can meet consumer demands and contribute positively to public health.