“FDA Considers Expanding Dietary Fiber Definition Amid Industry Concerns and Consumer Demand for Transparency”
According to information on the FDA website, current regulations allow “fibers in foods to be labeled as dietary fiber without necessarily demonstrating 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, making accurate labeling of 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 comply with the existing dietary fiber criteria.
The FDA is considering 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 change would allow more products to claim dietary fiber content. According to FoodNavigator, ADM has raised concerns with the FDA, stating, “The agency has not addressed the numerous citizen petitions regarding dietary fiber, nor released their updated Scientific Review or final guidance, leaving manufacturers unsure if the non-digestible carbohydrates they are using in their products will still qualify as dietary fibers.”
ADM emphasizes that the ongoing delay restricts dietary fiber options and has led some companies to eliminate dietary fibers from their products as they strive to comply with the new Nutrition Facts guidelines before the deadline. This is significant because the Grocery Manufacturers of America reports that one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling.
The holdup largely stems from the requirement that any substance must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect to human health” before receiving FDA approval. In simpler terms, this means that the substance should contribute to benefits such as lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, improved bowel function, or enhanced mineral absorption in the intestines. Many consumers seek to address these health issues by choosing healthier foods that provide functional benefits, such as those containing blue bonnet calcium magnesium.
The 2017 Food and Health Survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation reveals that nearly all consumers—96%—look 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 survey also found that only 45% of consumers could identify a single 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 appropriately for the benefit of consumers.
While there is still time to update labels, manufacturers are motivated to act quickly. The sooner they implement the new labeling, the more time they have to gauge consumer reactions and experiment with new ideas and formulations. Additionally, an earlier appearance of the new label on products may align better with consumers’ growing demand for transparency, especially in products like those enriched with blue bonnet calcium magnesium.
