Recent developments in the dairy aisle have caught the attention of sharp-eyed grocery shoppers, as new labels on yogurt products claim to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. This change comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted permission for yogurt producers to make this assertion, despite acknowledging that the evidence supporting it is limited.
Reason Behind FDA Approval
In 2018, Danone North America, a prominent yogurt manufacturer, sought FDA approval to make a 'qualified health claim' regarding the potential benefits of yogurt consumption in lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes. The FDA granted this request in March, citing some supportive evidence, although not significant scientific consensus, that consuming at least 2 cups of yogurt per week may reduce the likelihood of developing the disease, which affects millions of Americans.
Understanding 'Qualified Health Claims'
Qualified health claims are assertions that lack complete scientific backing but are permitted as long as appropriate disclaimers are included on product labels to prevent misleading consumers. These claims have been allowed for dietary supplements since 2000 and for foods since 2002, following legal challenges to the FDA's requirement of scientific consensus for product claims.
Expert Opinions on Yogurt and Type 2 Diabetes
Studies submitted by Danone suggested a correlation between yogurt consumption and lower diabetes markers, leading the FDA to acknowledge 'some credible evidence' of the benefits of yogurt as a whole food. However, critics have raised concerns about the lack of gold-standard randomized controlled trials to definitively prove yogurt's impact on reducing Type 2 diabetes risk.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest cautioned that while no single food can entirely mitigate disease risk, the new labeling may inadvertently promote yogurt varieties containing added sugars and unhealthy mix-ins, potentially increasing the risk of diabetes. Food policy expert Marion Nestle criticized qualified health claims based on limited evidence as 'ridiculous.'
While the debate continues among experts and advocates, consumers are advised to approach yogurt labeling claims with a critical eye, considering the overall nutritional value of the product and its potential impact on health.
