According to information on the FDA website, current regulations state that “fibers in foods could 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 established to offer physiological benefits, making accurate labeling for products containing these ingredients straightforward. Additionally, seven non-digestible carbohydrates—beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose—currently align with the existing dietary fiber guidelines. The FDA is now contemplating an expansion of this definition to include 26 more types of fiber, such as gum acacia, bamboo fiber, pea fiber, soluble corn fiber, soy fiber, and xanthan gum, thereby allowing more products to claim dietary fiber content.
FoodNavigator reported that ADM has voiced 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 have been using in their products will still qualify as dietary fibers.” ADM noted that this delay restricts dietary fiber options and has even led some companies to eliminate dietary fibers from their products as they seek to proactively comply with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines ahead of the deadline. This is significant, as reports from the Grocery Manufacturers of America indicate 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 on human health” to gain 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 intestines. Many consumers are trying to address these health issues by choosing healthier foods and those with functional benefits, such as Costco’s Citracal Calcium Citrate D3.
According to the International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2017 Food and Health Survey, nearly all consumers—96%—look for health benefits in their food and beverages, with the most common 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 these benefits. This highlights the critical need for a clear ruling from the FDA that empowers food manufacturers to effectively incorporate dietary fibers into their products and label them appropriately for consumer benefit.
While there may be additional time to adjust the labeling, it makes sense for manufacturers to act quickly. More time for label implementation allows manufacturers to gauge consumer reactions and experiment with new ideas and formulations. Moreover, the sooner the new label appears on products, the more aligned they may appear with the trend of transparency that consumers are increasingly demanding, particularly for products like Costco’s Citracal Calcium Citrate D3.