Global Regulation and Labeling, Claims and Communication with Consumers

In many countries worldwide, whole grain food traditions have been forgotten and refined grains have taken their place in the general diet. Globally there is an increasing interest in whole grains. This is largely due to the fact that the health benefits associated with high whole grain intake are becoming increasingly well understood. Many health authorities have moved to include recommendations for increased whole grain intake in their official dietary guidelines. Some countries and governing bodies have their own definitions and guidance in national legislation that differ from the Codex standards. Many consumers associate dark-colored baked goods with being whole grain and assume that products that are high in fibre must be full of whole grain ingredients. Many countries have made progress in establishing recommended intake levels, and in many places, requiring that products labelled “whole grain” contain a minimum level of whole grain, so as not to be misleading to consumers.