Food Labeling: Health Claims; Soluble Fiber from Certain Foods and Coronary Heart Disease

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 soluble fiber from psyllium husks and reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). FDA is proposing this action in response to a petition filed by the Kellogg Co. (the petitioner). The agency has tentatively concluded that, based on the totality of publicly available scientific evidence, soluble fiber from psyllium husk, similar to beta (<greek-b>)-glucan soluble fiber from whole oats, when included as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of CHD by lowering blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, the agency is proposing to amend the regulation that authorized a health claim on soluble fiber from whole oats and the risk of CHD to include soluble fiber from psyllium husks.