FDA permits limited claim that yogurt may reduce Type 2 diabetes risk

The Food and Drug Administration will permit dairy companies to say that eating yogurt regularly—at least two cups or three servings per week—may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, according to limited scientific evidence, according to a letter posted on the FDA's website, Reuters reported.

In 2018, Danone North America asked the FDA to approve the claim, after the subsidiary of the French company Danone SA became aware that the body of evidence was growing and becoming more compelling to support it, said Amanda Blechman, Danone North America's director of health and scientific affairs, per the report.

The report also noted that Blechman 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 FDA said it "encourages careful consideration" of whether to use the claim on yogurts that are high in added sugar, per the report.

The claim does not apply to non-dairy yogurts made from ingredients like almonds, coconut and soy, Blechman said, per the Reuters report.