FDA to Revisit Olestra

A food fight between consumer groups and Procter & Gamble Co. over the labeling of snack foods made with the fat substitute olestra will go before the Food and Drug Administration next month, the agency said. The FDA will hold a public meeting to review new medical studies about complaints that olestra, an additive made by P&G;, causes cramps and mild diarrhea in a small number of consumers. The fat substitute was launched in April in a variety of salty snacks. The company wants the FDA to relax its requirement that foods with the additive carry a warning label about possible digestive effects and nutrient loss. It is also asking the agency to allow olestra in foods such as ice cream, onion rings and cooking oil. The Center for Science in the Public Interest, an advocacy group, said its study showed that olestra causes digestive problems. P&G;’s shares edged up 38 cents to close at $81.31 on the NYSE.