Nutrition News & Views

October 29, 1999
FDA Allows Whole Grain Health Claims-October 1999/No.4

"Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods and low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers." - General Mills

Have you read the back of your cereal box lately? If you haven't, you might want to take a look. You may notice the above health claim on products manufactured by General Mills. As of July 8, 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is allowing manufacturers of foods containing at least 51% whole grains to make a label claim in reference to the foods' role in reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. The new labels by General Mills started hitting the shelves in August 1999. To gain permission for the claim, General Mills sent information to FDA on March 10, 1999 citing a National Academy of Sciences report that found "diets high in plant foods - such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain cereals are associated with a lower occurrence of coronary heart disease and cancers of the lung, colon, esophagus, and stomach."

A health claim may be defined as a claim on a food label that shows a relationship between a nutrient or other substances in a food and a disease or health-related condition. Companies that wish to provide health claims on their food labels must meet specific criteria set forth by the FDA. This criteria includes presenting a report from a federal scientific body which must be published and currently in effect.

Whole grains must contain all three layers of the grain, the endosperm, the bran and the germ. Whole wheat, which is the predominant grain in the U.S. diet, contains 11 grams of dietary fiber per 100 grams. The American Dietetic Association recommends that adults need between 20 and 35 grams of fiber each day. It is important to remember to incorporate a variety of high fiber foods in your eating plan. There are two types of fiber - soluble and insoluble. Whole grains as well as vegetables are sources of insoluble fiber. Sources of soluble fiber include beans, oats, barley and some fruits and vegetables. When searching for products with whole grains such as wheat, don't forget to check the product's label to see that the ingredient list includes the whole grain. Just because a bread looks dark, doesn't necessarily mean it is made with whole grains.

According to David Jacobs, Jr., a University of Minnesota epidemiologist, the death rate is 15% to 25% lower in people who eat whole grain foods compared to other groups. A diet high in fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Your daily nutritional goals should include eating 6-11 servings of breads, cereals, rice and pasta as well as 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. The Food Guide Pyramid is an excellent tool that you can use to plan nutritious, well- balanced meals for a healthier lifestyle.

Submitted by Patricia Heflin, MSU Dietetic Intern
Distributed by Barbara McLaurin, Ph.D., R.D., L.D., Human Nutrition Specialist, MSU Extension Service, October 1999

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