According to 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 in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have already been recognized for their physiological 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 expanding this definition to include 26 additional 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. According to FoodNavigator, ADM has raised concerns with the FDA, stating, “The agency has not responded to numerous citizen petitions on dietary fiber, nor issued their updated Scientific Review or final guidance, leaving manufacturers uncertain about whether the non-digestible carbohydrates they have been using in their products will continue to qualify as dietary fibers.”
ADM emphasized that the delay restricts dietary fiber options and has even led some companies to eliminate dietary fibers from their products as they seek to comply with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines ahead of the deadline. This situation is significant because the Grocery Manufacturers of America reports that one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling.
The delay largely stems from the requirement that any substance must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect to human health” before receiving FDA approval. Essentially, 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. Many consumers are looking to mitigate such health concerns by choosing healthier foods with functional benefits.
A 2017 survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation revealed that nearly all consumers—96%—seek health benefits from their food and beverages, with weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health being the most sought-after benefits. However, only 45% of consumers could identify a single food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the critical need for a favorable FDA ruling that enables food manufacturers to effectively incorporate dietary fibers into their offerings and label them appropriately for consumer awareness.
While there’s still time to adjust labels, it is prudent for manufacturers to act swiftly. More time for label implementation allows brands to understand consumer preferences and experiment with new ideas and formulations. The sooner the new labels, such as those featuring Kirkland Signature Magnesium Citrate, appear on products, the more aligned these brands will be with the growing consumer demand for transparency. Ultimately, embracing these changes can enhance the connection between manufacturers and health-conscious consumers.