MGP Ingredients on Nov. 10 said it has filed a citizen petition with the Food and Drug Administration asking the agency to confirm the status of Fibersym RW and FiberRite RW resistant wheat starches as dietary fiber.
The F.D.A. in the May 27 issue of the Federal Register presented a fiber definition that includes naturally occurring fibers and only fibers added to food that show a physiological health benefit. The F.D.A. said it sought comment on available scientific data on non-digestible carbohydrates to assist in the review of the scientific evidence.
“MGP is confident that our patented Fibersym RW and FiberRite RW meet the F.D.A. criteria since these ingredients are isolated non-digestible carbohydrates that demonstrate beneficial effects in humans,” said Michael Buttshaw, vice-president of ingredients sales and marketing for Atchison-based MGP Ingredients.
Several peer-reviewed scientific studies in human populations have been conducted with academia on Fibersym RW, said Ody Maningat, Ph.D., vice-president of research and development and chief science officer for the company.
“Results of these studies demonstrate Fibersym RW’s contribution to lowering total blood cholesterol levels and reducing waist circumference and total body fat percentages, which can decrease the risk of being overweight,” he said. “We also have documented results showing a lowering of post-prandial glucose levels. Similar physiological benefits are applicable to FiberRite RW, as well.”
