Comments and Correspondence
ICGMA COMMENTS ON FIBER
Dr. Rolf Grossklaus
Chairman of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special
Dietary Uses
Bundesinstitut Fur Risikobewertung (bfR)
P.O. Box 33 00 1314191
Berlin, Germany
October 26th, 2004
Dear Dr. Grossklaus:
The International Council of Grocery Manufacturers Associations
(ICGMA) is pleased to provide input on 1) the Guidelines for the
Use of Nutrition Claims: Draft Table of Conditions for Nutrient
Contents (Part B) Dietary Fibre (ALINORM 04/27/26, Appendix II),
and 2) the Proposals for a Definition and Methods of Analysis for
Dietary Fibre Content (CX/NFSDU 04/3-Add.1).
ICGMA, a recognized NGO before the Codex Alimentarius Commission,
represents the interests of national and regional associations who
collaborate with all sectors of the consumer packaged goods industry.
ICGMA promotes the harmonization of scientific standards and policies
concerned with health, safety, packaging, and labeling of foods,
beverages, and other consumer packaged goods. ICGMA also works to
facilitate international trade in these sectors by elimination or
preventing artificial barriers to trade.
ICGMA urges the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special
Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) to adopt both a definition for dietary fibre
and the conditions for dietary fibre content claims “source”
and “high”.
1. Table of Conditions for Dietary Fibre Content Claims
ICGMA supports the removal of the square brackets surrounding “Dietary
Fibre”.
ICGMA does not support the proposed definitions for the levels
of fibre for “source” and “high” as found
in the Table of Conditions for Dietary Fibre Content Claims. ICGMA
proposes the level for fibre for “source” should be
not less than 2.5 g per 100 g or 2.5 g per serving. ICGMA proposes
the level of fibre for “high” should not be less than
5 g per 100 g or 5 g per serving.
2. Proposals for a Definition of Dietary Fibre and Methods of Analysis
for Dietary Fibre Content
ICGMA is in support of the proposals for a definition and methods
of analysis for dietary fibre as prepared by a drafting group led
by France and Sweden. The definition as proposed recognizes a continuum
of carbohydrate and allows for flexibility to incorporate new fiber
sources developed in the future. They may include synthetic fibers
i.e., polydextrose or natural fibers i.e., inulin following demonstration
of beneficial physiological effects in humans.
ICGMA urges the CCNFSDU to pursue a definition that will promote
harmonization of scientific standards and policies concerned with
health and labeling of foods and beverages. ICGMA urges CCNFSDU
to facilitate international trade in the food and beverage sector
by eliminating or preventing artificial barriers to trade with our
global partners through adoption of an accurate scientific definition
that can be consistently implemented worldwide.
ICGMA appreciates the opportunity to provide these comments to
Codex. Please contact me at (202) 337-9400 should you have questions.
Sincerely,
Alison J. Kretser
cc: Codex Alimentarius Commission, Rome, Italy
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