According to information from the FDA website, current regulations allow “fibers in foods to be labeled as dietary fiber without necessarily providing physiological effects that are beneficial to human health.” Naturally occurring fibers, such as those found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have already been recognized for their physiological benefits, making the 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 meet the established dietary fiber criteria. The FDA is now contemplating 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 expansion would allow more products to make dietary fiber claims.
As reported by FoodNavigator, ADM has raised concerns with the FDA, stating, “The agency has not responded to the numerous citizen petitions on dietary fiber, nor has it released its updated Scientific Review or final guidance, leaving manufacturers uncertain about whether the non-digestible carbohydrates they are using in their products will still qualify as dietary fibers.” ADM further emphasized that these delays limit the dietary fiber options available and have led some companies to remove dietary fibers from their products as they seek to proactively comply with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines before the deadline. This situation is significant since the Grocery Manufacturers of America indicates that one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling.
The delay primarily stems from the requirement that a substance must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect to human health” to receive FDA approval. In simpler terms, this means that it 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 aiming to address these health concerns by choosing healthier foods with functional benefits. According to the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2017 Food and Health Survey, nearly all consumers—96%—actively seek health benefits from their food and drink, with the most desired benefits being weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health. However, the study revealed that only 45% of consumers could identify even one food or nutrient associated with these benefits. This highlights the critical need for a favorable FDA ruling 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 make changes to labels, manufacturers are eager to expedite this process. More time to implement the new labels offers manufacturers the opportunity to gauge consumer preferences and experiment with new ideas and formulations. The sooner the new labels appear on products, the better they may align with the growing trend toward transparency among consumers.
In the context of dietary fibers, the inclusion of citrate malate calcium may also play a role in enhancing the health benefits of products. By integrating citrate malate calcium into their formulations, manufacturers can potentially expand the functional attributes of their offerings, aligning them more closely with consumer health goals. This further emphasizes the importance of the FDA’s guidance in allowing clear labeling for products enriched with citrate malate calcium and other beneficial fibers, ensuring consumers are informed about what they are consuming.