FDA Completes Nutrition Facts Label with Information on Dietary Fiber

FDA publishes a request for scientific data,information and comments to help it determine whether certain fibers should be added to the definition of “dietary fiber” published as part of the Nutrition Facts label final rule.

FDA’s final rule, published on May 27, 2016, required that only certain naturally occurring dietary fibers such as those found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and added isolated or synthetic fibers that FDA has determined have a physiological effect that is beneficial to human health, could be declared on the label under “Dietary Fiber.”
Previously, fibers in foods could be labeled as a dietary fiber without necessarily providing physiological effects that are beneficial to human health. Naturally occurring fibers contained in foods have already been determined to have physiological benefits.
The request for information, along with an accompanying draft guidance, will help industry understand how FDA reviews the scientific evidence to determine whether other fibers beyond the seven identified in the rule should be added to the regulations.
The comment period for the Request for Information opens on November 23, 2016 and will remain open for 45 days.

You can read more on dietary fiber in the article “Sugar-free taste and function”, published in the latest issue of Asia Pacific Baker & Biscuit (Autumn)!