As part of the new food and nutrition labeling regulations, the FDA announced that chicory root fibers will enter the newly established list of approved dietary fibers. Therefore, Mannheim, Germany-based Beneo said its ingredients Orafti inulin and oligofructose may continue to appear as dietary fibers on the Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts panels.

The decision was made following an extensive review by the FDA’s Nutrition Science Review team into a wide range of non-digestible carbohydrates. As a result, inulin and oligofructose, natural non-digestible carbohydrates from chicory root, have a demonstrated health benefit and have been found to be in compliance with the dietary fiber definition as outlined in the nutrition labeling regulations, Beneo said.

“This decision means that consumers can continue to access great-tasting fiber naturally sourced from chicory roots, without any labeling confusion,” said Anke Sentko, vice president regulatory affairs and nutrition communication at Beneo. “The FDA ruling has further reinforced that Beneo’s chicory root fibers, including Orafti inulin and oligofructose, are a beneficial way for customers to improve the nutritional quality of their products and to help consumers bridge the fiber gap.”