By Denny Jacob


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn't intend to object to certain health claims surrounding yogurt and type 2 diabetes.

The FDA said in a letter of enforcement discretion that it won't object to certain qualified health claims related to yogurt consumption and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes provided that the qualified health claims are worded in a way that doesn't mislead consumers, among other considerations.

A qualified health claim is supported by scientific evidence but doesn't meet the more rigorous "significant scientific agreement" standard required for an authorized health claim, the regulator said.

The FDA responded to a qualified health claim petition submitted on behalf of Danone North America. After reviewing the petition and other evidence related to the claim, it determined that there is some credible evidence supporting a relationship between yogurt intake and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes but that the evidence is limited.

"We know that a growing body of research suggests regular yogurt consumption could reduce your risk of developing one of the most significant and rapidly rising health ailments in the United States. That's why we decided to submit a petition for this first-of-its-kind qualified health claim," said Miguel Freitas, vice president of health and scientific affairs at Danone North America.


Write to Denny Jacob at denny.jacob@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

03-01-24 1557ET