Washington, D.C. – On March 27, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in response to pressure from ABA, announced that it intends to expand the list of approved dietary fibers. Specifically, FDA will propose that “cross-linked phosphorylated RS4”–regardless of source–be added to the definition of dietary fiber. With FDA’s announcement, 16 categories of non-digestible carbohydrates, including mixed plant cell wall fibers, are either included in the definition of dietary fiber or are non-digestible carbohydrates that FDA intends to propose to be added to the definition of dietary fiber.
Additionally, until FDA completes this rulemaking it will exercise enforcement discretion allowing manufacturers to include these additional fibers and the amount used on the Nutrition Facts Label declaration.
“ABA and its members greatly appreciate FDA’s additional action on dietary fiber sources. It allows our members and other fiber users to move forward with flexibility to choose fiber sources for products we produce for American consumers,” said Lee Sanders, ABA Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs. “The enforcement discretion is significant as it enables bakers and others to move forward confidently as they prepare to comply with the January 1, 2020 Nutrition Facts Labeling implementation deadline.”
The action was taken in response to a citizen petition from MGP Ingredients Inc., and supported by ABA, which requested that Dietary Fiber can be declared on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts labels includes certain naturally occurring fibers that are “intrinsic and intact” in plants. The definition added isolated or synthetic non-digestible soluble and insoluble carbohydrates that FDA has determined have beneficial physiological effects to human health.
For the FDA fact sheet, click here.
-American Bakers Association-
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 1,000 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, cookies, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $153 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 799,500 highly skilled people.
