In recent months, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), segments of the food industry have petitioned the agency to define carbohydrate nutrient content claims such as "low carbohydrate," "reduced carbohydrate" and "carbohydrate free." National Starch and Chemical Company has entered the dialogue, submitting a petition to the FDA that asks for simplification and standardization of carbohydrate labeling on food packages.
"We believe that a standardized label that lists fiber independently and excludes it from the 'Total Carbohydrate' declaration listed on the Nutrition Facts label will remove much of the confusion over carbohydrate content claims and help consumers to make better educated food choices," said Rhonda Witwer, business development manager of nutrition at National Starch.