Food Labeling: Health Claims; Sugar Alcohols and Dental Caries

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to authorize the use, on food labels and in food labeling, of health claims on the association between sugar alcohols and the nonpromotion of dental caries. In addition, FDA is proposing to exempt sugar alcohol-containing foods from certain provisions of the health claims general requirements regulation. FDA is proposing these actions in response to a petition filed by the National Association of Chewing Gum Manufacturers, Inc., and an ad hoc working group of sugar alcohol manufacturers (hereinafter referred to as the petitioners).