Food makers can now advertise that regularly eating yogurt may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes without objection from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA made this announcement on Friday, following a petition submitted by Danone North America in 2018, the company behind popular brands such as Dannon, Activia, Wallaby Organic, and Silk. Danone sought FDA acknowledgement that it would not object to marketing yogurt as capable of reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
The FDA confirmed that it would not oppose the claim, but with certain conditions. Any language used to communicate with consumers must include a disclaimer stating that the evidence supporting the claim is limited. Additionally, it must be made clear that reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes requires consuming two cups (equivalent to three servings) of yogurt per week.
Danone’s petition falls under the category of “qualified health claims” defined by the FDA. While these claims do not require the agency’s approval, companies submit petitions to ensure their language is compliant and does not result in false claims that could be challenged by the FDA.
Danone’s petition was based on the nutrient profile of proteins, vitamins, and low sodium found in yogurt, along with various studies supporting the link between regular yogurt consumption and a reduced risk of diabetes and related conditions. The FDA’s announcement highlighted that the health effects of yogurt are attributable to the food as a whole, rather than any individual nutrient or compound, emphasizing its independence from fat or sugar content.
It is important to note that sugar and fat levels can vary greatly among different yogurt products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that while low-fat or unsweetened yogurts can be a healthy source of protein, vitamin D, and calcium, flavored yogurts often contain high levels of added sugars and should be consumed in moderation. Extensive research has consistently shown a connection between high consumption of added sugars and an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes.
One study conducted in 2022 suggested that consuming fermented dairy products, especially yogurt, may offer protection against the development of Type 2 diabetes. Yogurt is also a key component of the Mediterranean diet, which includes fresh produce, whole grains, olive oil, and fish. A 2020 study found that adhering to the Mediterranean diet significantly reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes. However, a 2016 study did not establish a clear link between dairy consumption and the disease.
Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, who provided scientific feedback to Danone during the petition process, believes the FDA’s decision is sensible, given the growing evidence of the health benefits associated with fermented yogurt. However, he cautioned that food cannot be marketed as a cure or prevention for a disease since it would then be categorized as a drug.
The implications of the FDA’s decision and the growing recognition of food as medicine extend beyond the yogurt industry and FDA regulations. As we learn more about the potential health benefits of specific foods, there is a lack of regulatory pathways for the food industry to navigate in order to market products for disease prevention or treatment. This presents a significant challenge for both food companies and regulatory authorities.
Looking toward the future, it is crucial for the industry to explore and establish effective guidelines that strike a balance between promoting the health benefits of specific foods and avoiding misleading claims. Collaboration between food companies, regulatory agencies, and scientific communities is essential in aiming for accurate and evidence-based marketing practices.
As consumer awareness of the relationship between food and health continues to grow, it is likely that the demand for foods with proven health benefits will increase. The yogurt industry, in particular, can capitalize on this trend by highlighting the various health advantages associated with regular consumption of yogurt in their marketing campaigns. However, it is important for companies to be transparent about the limited evidence supporting these claims and to provide clear guidelines on the quantity and specific type of yogurt required for potential health benefits.
In conclusion, the FDA’s decision to allow food makers to advertise the potential risk reduction of Type 2 diabetes through regular yogurt consumption opens up new possibilities for the industry. However, it also highlights the need for further discussion and collaboration to establish clear guidelines and regulatory pathways for marketing food as a form of disease prevention or treatment. With the growing recognition of food as medicine, it is critical to ensure transparency, accuracy, and evidence-based marketing to promote consumer trust and well-being.