The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted requirements that food containing olestra, a zero-calorie fat substitute, bear a statement informing consumers that the additive may cause gastrointestinal problems.
FDA approved olestra for use in 1996 but required foods containing the fat substitute to be labeled with the following statement in a boxed format: "THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS OLESTRA. Olestra may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools. Olestra inhibits the absorption of some vitamins and other nutrients. Vitamins A, D, E, and K have been added."