RESEARCH AND MARKET EXPRESS

FDA Ruling to Promote Omega-3s, Allows Health Claims on Supermarket Products

Peter Ou, Ph.D. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that is was allowing a "qualified health claim" for Omega-3 fatty acids found in some foods. It is, therefore, now expected that the labels of certain food products in supermarkets will tout the benefits of consuming Omega-3s, which are believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and other ailments.


The on-package claim will follow this wording set by the FDA: "Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. One serving of [name of food] provides [x] grams of EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids. [See nutrition information for total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol content.]"

This health claim is specifically related to cardiovascular health and foods that contain eiscosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) Omega-3 fatty acids. And although Omega-3s have been touted as offering other benefits - such as youthful-looking, more resilient skin - the FDA claim is limited to the benefits in fighting heart disease.

The FDA ruling came soon after recommendations by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a section of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The most significant of these recommendations, which were made to the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services, was that fish should be consumed at least twice a week in order to get enough Omega-3 fatty acids. (Of course the announcement should be considered in conjunction with a report on high levels of toxins in some fish.)

Dr. Lester M. Crawford, the acting commissioner of the FDA, points out that there are approximately 500,000 deaths a year related to coronary disease. The FDA feels that the new claim for Omega-3 fatty acids will empower consumers by giving them knowledge to identify foods that contain these important compounds. The FDA states that Omega-3 fatty acids are not essential, but are beneficial in reducing coronary heart disease.

A "qualified health claim" on a conventional food must be supported by credible scientific evidence. As a result, there will be new research and discoveries all the time. That means it's a good bet for healthy Americans to take heed of the FDA's announcements and add these foods and nutrients to their regular die



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