FDA Approves Whole-Grain Brown Rice Health Claim

Brown rice, a 100% whole-grain food, has joined the recognized ranks of healthful whole grains approved to bear the whole-grain health claim, according to a recent announcement from FDA. Brown rice food labels may now state, “Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods and low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers.”

“Rice is the most popular grain around the world, which makes brown rice a great choice for increasing whole-grain intake,” says Joann Slavin, Ph.D., R.D., professor, Department of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Minnesota. U.S. Dietary Guidelines encourage consumers to make at least half their daily grains “whole.”

Recent USA Rice Federation research demonstrated growing demand for whole-grain brown rice, with more than 51% of foodservice operators expecting their usage of brown rice to increase in the next year.

“The FDA action helps foodservice professionals and consumers to more clearly identify brown rice as a food that helps increase whole-grain consumption and delivers many health and nutrition benefits,” says Anne Banville, vice president of domestic promotion, USA Rice Federation. “We anticipate that as patrons continue to seek a wider variety of healthy menu offerings, the interest and usage of whole grain brown rice will only continue to increase, as seen by double-digit sales growth over the last few years.”