March 4, 2024 — Yogurt makers can now claim that consuming yogurt reduces an individual's risk of type 2 diabetes, the Food and Drug Administration said in a letter of enforcement discretion.
The FDA released the letter in response to a petition filed about five years ago by Danone North America, the corporate that makes Dannon, Activia, Wallaby Organic and Silk yogurt.
“After reviewing the petition and other evidence related to the proposed qualified health claim, the FDA concluded that there is some credible evidence supporting an association between yogurt consumption and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, which is evidence however limited,” the FDA said.
“As noted in the petition, the association was based on yogurt as a food and not on any single nutrient or compound in yogurt, regardless of fat or sugar content.”
Danone said the FDA examined data from greater than 300,000 people.
“We hope this announcement provides consumers with simple, actionable information to help them reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes through realistic, easy-to-implement dietary changes,” said Miguel Freitas, vp of health and science Affairs at Danone North America, said in a Press release.
Danone had asked the FDA for permission to make “a qualified health claim” about yogurt and the danger of diabetes.
“A health claim characterizes the relationship between a substance and a disease or health-related condition,” the FDA said. “A qualified health claim is supported by scientific evidence but does not meet the more stringent standard of 'significant scientific agreement' required for an authorized health claim.”
The wording of the claim is: “Regular consumption of yogurt, at least 2 cups (3 servings) per week, may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to limited scientific evidence,” Danone's press release states.
Health researchers have long seen a link between consuming yogurt and reducing the danger of diabetes.