In response to a petition filed by Kellogg Company, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it is allowing for the use of vitamin D3 as a food additive in certain circumstances.
 
Per the agency’s response to Kellogg, companies will now be able to add vitamin D3 to breakfast cereals at 560 IU vitamin D3 per 100 grams, and to grain-based nutrition bars at levels up to 400 IU per 100 grams.
 
Aside from these two food categories, FDA allows for the use of vitamin D3 as a food additive in a specific set of categories, such as fruit juices, meal replacement bars and drinks, certain cheese products, certain types of milk. Vitamin D2 is permitted as a food additive in several plant-based alternative products.
 
As part of the process, Kellogg and FDA estimated cumulative dietary exposures of vitamin D3 for each of their petitioned uses, and FDA ultimately concluded that the proposed use of vitamin D3 by Kellogg was safe.
 
Addressing ‘Hidden Hunger’
 
Kellogg reports that its efforts to secure the ability to add vitamin D to additional food categories is part of its strategy to address “hidden hunger,” or micronutrient deficiencies, through fortification. The company reports that more than 90% of Americans don’t consume enough vitamin D, and that about six in 10 consumers (59%) want to add more vitamin D to their diet.
 
“Kellogg fortified cereals and milk have long been a delicious and affordable way to get vitamin D,” said Nigel Hughes, Kellogg Company’s SVP, global R&D and innovation. “Now, everyday foods, like cereal and grain-based bars, can go even further toward helping people access and consume vitamin D, creating better days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030.”
 
In addition to fortifying foods with vitamin D3, Kellogg is launching products with inherent sources of the nutrient. Pure Organic Crackers made with cheese and veggies will be the first cracker to have a source of vitamin D2 from mushroom powder, at a level of 10% daily value per serving.
 
In order to help consumers identify foods containing vitamin D more quickly, the company will feature percent daily value on the front of packaging, in addition to on products’ Nutrition Facts panels.