FDA rules against making omega-3 content claims in foods

On November 27, 2007 the FDA proposed a ruling to prohibit food companies from making content claims for omega-3 in foods. This decision is largely based on the fact that currently there is no Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) established for EPA and DHA (as found in fish and fish oil) in the United States. Without a RDI, there is no agreed upon standard with which to compare or make claims.

It's time to have a RDI established in the United States. Omega-3s are dietary fats that are essential for humans to ingest, and there are thousands of clinical studies documenting benefits of omega-3 fats. It's important for people to have a regular intake of EPA and DHA, from marine foods or purified fish oil supplements.

It's particularly important for women who are pregnant or planning to be pregnant and young children to have a good supply of omega-3 fats. If there is concern over eating fish, concentrated and purified supplements are a convenient option.