ConAgra Foods Applauds FDA Approval of Qualified Health Claim

25 Sep 2013 --- ConAgra Foods Inc. one of North America’s leading food makers, praised the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approving their petition for a qualified health claim that links whole grain consumption to a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

As a result of this approval, food manufacturers will now be able to communicate that whole grains and whole grain-containing foods which meet certain nutrient requirements outlined by the FDA may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

“We were the originator of this petition and we’re thrilled the FDA is confirming that whole grains have a positive effect on people’s health and well-being and can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” says Al Bolles, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Research, Quality and Innovation at ConAgra Foods. Mark Andon, Ph.D., Vice President of Nutrition at ConAgra Foods, agrees. “For the 79 million Americans who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes[1], this claim will provide easy, at-a-glance guidance for foods which can help reduce their risk.”

At least three ounces of whole grains per day is recommended by the most recent U.S. Dietary Guidelines, but less than 5% of Americans actually meet this goal.2 “To put this into context, one ounce of whole grains is equal to one slice of whole wheat bread, a ½ cup serving of cooked whole grain pasta, or three cups of popcorn like Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop!” says Andon.

ConAgra Foods also makes Ultragrain, the first 100% whole wheat flour that offers whole grain nutrition with the taste, texture and appearance of traditional white flour. Because it’s milled to retain the entire whole grain, all-natural Ultragrain offers more fiber, B vitamins, and vitamin E than refined white flour. Ultragrain has been used for several years to make many grain-based foods and is now available in grocery stores across the country, making it the simple way to add whole grain nutrition to the foods you and your family already enjoy, without sacrificing taste, texture, or appearance.

Whole grains can easily be obtained through a variety of foods and numerous health organizations have been educating Americans about the relationship between increasing whole grain intake and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. “With obesity and type 2 diabetes on the rise, this claim helps reinforce the public health messages that consumers are receiving from trusted sources about the importance of including more whole grains for a healthful lifestyle,” says Andon.