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 containing these ingredients is not problematic. Moreover, 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 by including 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 make dietary fiber claims.
FoodNavigator reports that ADM has expressed concerns to the FDA, stating, “The agency has not addressed the numerous citizen petitions regarding dietary fiber, nor has it released its updated Scientific Review or final guidance, leaving manufacturers uncertain about whether the non-digestible carbohydrates they have been using in their products might still qualify as dietary fibers.” ADM indicated that this delay restricts dietary fiber options and has even led some companies to remove dietary fibers from their products as they aim to comply with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines ahead of the deadline. This issue is significant, as Grocery Manufacturers of America has indicated that one in four products is affected by the dietary fiber ruling.
The delay is primarily due to the requirement that a substance must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect on human health” before receiving FDA approval. 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 consumers are trying to address these health issues through healthier eating, which includes seeking out products like chewable calcium citrate supplements that may offer additional benefits.
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 top priorities. However, the study revealed that only 45% of consumers could identify a single food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the necessity of a clear ruling from the FDA that allows food manufacturers not only to effectively incorporate dietary fibers into their products but also to label them properly for the benefit of consumers.
While there is still time to adjust the labels, it is prudent for manufacturers to expedite the process. More time for label implementation gives manufacturers a chance to understand what appeals to consumers and to experiment with new ideas and formulations. Additionally, the sooner the new label appears on a product, the more aligned it may seem with the growing consumer demand for transparency, which can also apply to products like chewable calcium citrate supplements that consumers are increasingly considering for their health needs.