The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its decision to grant yogurt manufacturers the authority to claim that their dairy product could potentially lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. This move comes amid the increasing mortality rates associated with the disease and the widespread use of medications such as Ozempic for its management.
As per a letter posted on the regulator's website, the FDA will authorize dairy companies to assert that regular consumption of yogurt, specifically at least two cups or three servings per week, may decrease the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, supported by limited scientific evidence.
Activia yogurt maker Danone SA asked the FDA to greenlight the claim in 2018, after the French company "noticed the body of evidence was really growing and becoming more compelling" to support it, said Amanda Blechman, Danone director of health and scientific affairs.
She said any yogurt maker will be able to use the claim on dairy-based yogurt. Danone's competitors include General Mills, which makes Yoplait, and privately held Chobani. Although many manufacturers add sugar to yogurt, the research showed that the benefit still applied “regardless of sugar or fat content," Blechman said.
In the letter, the FDA said it was concerned that the use of the claim on yogurts with a "significant amount of added sugars could contribute empty calories to the diet." The regulator said it "encourages careful consideration" of whether to use the claim on yogurts that are high in added sugar.
