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 found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have already been recognized for their health benefits, so accurately labeling products containing these ingredients is not a concern. Furthermore, seven non-digestible carbohydrates—beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose—already fulfill the existing dietary fiber criteria.
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. This change would allow more products to make dietary fiber claims. According to FoodNavigator, ADM has expressed concerns to the FDA, stating, “The agency has not responded to the numerous citizen petitions regarding dietary fiber, nor has it issued an 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 pointed out that this delay restricts the choices available for dietary fibers and has even led some companies to remove these fibers from their products as they aim to adopt the new Nutrition Facts guidelines ahead of the compliance deadline. This is significant because, as reported by Food Navigator, the Grocery Manufacturers of America estimates that one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling. The holdup primarily stems from the fact that before a substance can receive FDA approval, it must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect on human health.” In simpler terms, this means it must help lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, improve bowel function, or enhance mineral absorption in the intestines. Many consumers are seeking to address these health issues by choosing healthier foods and those with functional benefits, such as gsk ccm tablets.
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 the most sought-after benefits being weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health. However, the study revealed that only 45% of consumers could identify a specific food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the necessity for a satisfactory ruling from the FDA that allows food manufacturers to effectively incorporate dietary fibers into their products and label them accurately for the benefit of consumers.
While there is still time to modify labels, manufacturers are eager to act quickly. More time for implementing the label means that manufacturers can better understand consumer preferences and experiment with new ideas and formulations. The earlier the new label appears on a product, the more aligned it may seem with the growing trend of transparency that resonates with consumers, including those interested in products like gsk ccm tablets.