Chicory root fibre gains dietary fibre status

SENSUS, manufacturer of Frutafit® and Frutalose® chicory root fibres, welcomes the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s decision on inulin-type fructans derived from chicory root as dietary fibre for the new nutrition facts label. The recognition consolidates the fibre status of chicory root fibre in the US and supports further opportunities for healthy food applications in the US.

Chicory root fibre is a source of the prebiotic inulin.

The announcement follows a joint citizen petition requesting the addition of chicory root fibre to the list of dietary fibres accepted in the US as well as a comprehensive response to the FDAs scientific review of inulin-type-fructans and data request. In 2015, the FDA issued new Nutrition Facts labeling regulations for food and supplements to be implemented by 1 January 2020. In the new regulation, dietary fibres are defined as naturally occurring fibres that are intrinsic and intact in plants, or as isolated or synthetic fibres that have demonstrated a beneficial physiological effect. 

Carl Volz, President Sensus America, states: “inulin/oligofructose has been clearly shown to support physiological health benefits as assessed by the FDA’s strict criteria”. He adds: “The FDA’s inclusion of chicory root fibre as a dietary fibre in its new food labeling regulations allows our customers to continue marketing their products as sources of dietary fibre and to continue to use chicory root fibre as a tool to reduce calories and added sugar.”

Related news: US FDA statement on dietary fibre