The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is an independent body within the National Academy of Sciences. It advises government on a broad range of health and health-related issues. Its recommendations receive wide attention from decision-makers inside and outside government but they are not binding.

In its report on the subject of standards for food labeling which claim health benefits, the authors of the IOM study say, “It is important to realize that health claims on foods potentially impact a far greater portion of the population than do drug claims.” (Emphasis added)

NASDAQ

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration should apply the same scientific standards for allowing food and dietary supplement makers to make health and nutrient claims as it does for approving drugs, a new report from the Institute of Medicine released Wednesday says.

“The report was requested and funded by FDA’s own food center as it struggles to regulate a growing number of health and nutrient claims made by food companies. (Emphasis added)

“Last year, the FDA criticized General Mills Inc. (GIS) for placing a label on its popular cereal Cheerios that it lowers cholesterol. The FDA said that claim could only be used for drugs that actually lower cholesterol.

“However, FDA and other regulations governing food labels are complex and do allow companies to make health claims about certain ingredients in foods–such as oats used to make Cheerios–that are considered a whole grain.

“One allowable claim states that, “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.”

Source: NASDAQ, May 12, 2010

Citation: Institute of Medicine Consensus Report,  May 12, 2010, Evaluation of Biomarkers and Surrogate Endpoints in Chronic Disease.