YOgurt sold in the United States can claim, based on limited evidence, that the food may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday.

The agency says that while there is some evidence that eating at least two cups of yogurt a week may reduce the chance of developing the disease, which affects about 36 million Americans, there is no significant Agreed that it is not a scientific consensus.

Starting in 2000 for dietary supplements and 2002 for foods, the FDA began making qualified health claims (which lack full scientific support but are allowed as long as they include a disclaimer to avoid misleading consumers). display) is permitted. The FDA was facing a lawsuit challenging its standards for health claims. Scientific consensus based on claims of violation of freedom of speech guarantees.

Eligible health claims allowed include consuming some types of cocoa may reduce heart disease and cranberry juice may reduce risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in women There is a gender.

When it comes to yogurt, Danone North America, the U.S. subsidiary of the French company whose brands include Danone, Activia and Horizon Organic Yogurt, applied for qualified health claims in 2018. The company submitted information from a study that observed participants over time and found a link between food and diet. Yogurt and lowering of diabetes markers. The FDA agreed that there is “some reliable evidence” of the benefits of eating yogurt as a whole food, but not due to the specific nutrients it contains.

Critics said the label change was not based on gold standard randomized controlled trials that could prove whether yogurt reduces the risk of diabetes.

The advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest said no single food can reduce the risk of disease associated with the entire diet. It also said the label changes would encourage the consumption of yogurts with added sugar or mix-ins such as cookies and pretzels, which could increase the risk of diabetes.

Food policy expert Marion Nestle said limited health food claims based on limited evidence were “ridiculous on their face.”

“Translation: If you want to believe this, believe it, but it’s not based on evidence,” she said.