Q. Does FDA's warning letter mean that Cheerios® is not eligible to claim that it may lower the risk of coronary heart disease when eaten as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol? 

A. No, Cheerios® can make this claim. FDA has issued a regulation authorizing a health claim associating soluble fiber from certain foods, including oats, with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (21 CFR 101.81). FDA allows this health claim based on significant scientific agreement among qualified experts to support the relationship between soluble fiber in whole oats and coronary heart disease.

Q. Did the warning letter address the appropriateness of Cheerios® in a balanced diet? 

A. No. In fact, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourages the consumption of whole grain foods, which includes whole oats found in products such as Cheerios®.

Q. Does the warning letter call into question the safety of Cheerios®? 

A. There are no safety concerns with Cheerios®.

Q. What additional actions is FDA taking? 

A. FDA will meet with General Mills and other food companies at their request to discuss how they can make appropriate, evidence-based labeling claims.