What should the criteria be for whole grain labeling statements?
In 2006, the FDA issued draft guidance designed to ensure food manufacturers were all singing from the same hymn sheet when making whole grain labeling statements - but has yet to finalize it.
However, there has been a recent update: In early 2014, the agency will conduct new research into consumer understanding of whole grains with results due in the fall, raising hopes that it will finalize its guidance in late 2014 or early 2015.
No clear consensus
In the meantime, judging by the comments in the docket, there is no clear consensus in the trade about what should constitute a ‘whole grain’, how the amount of wholegrain should be disclosed, and how much wholegrain is required to prompt labeling.
Should the definition of ‘whole grains’ be expanded to include whole seeds, beans and legumes?
What should the criteria be for whole grain labeling statements?
2013 also brought news on the health claims front, with users of whole grains now permitted to use a (very heavily) qualified health claim about whole grains and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes: