Olean Brand Olestra | Procter & Gamble | olean

Studies

The FDA approved the use of olestra in 1996 for prepackaged, ready-to-eat savory snacks and microwave popcorn after reviewing almost 100 clinical studies. Olean® was launched nationally to consumers in 1997 and continues to be marketed in Frito Lay and Pringles snacks. Since 1996, several additional studies have verified the safety and benefits of olestra. Again, the FDA used this data to reconfirm the safety of olestra. Below are 3 of the main studies the FDA used in reaffirming the safety of the use of olestra in savory snacks.

Rechallenge Study - Double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject crossover study with 57 people who voluntarily called a toll-free number to report gastrointestinal symptoms following olestra consumption. The study showed no meaningful difference in digestive effects between olestra and regular chips.

Consumption Study - 3,181 volunteers, ages 2-89 years old, from 1,138 households received identical packages of either olestra or regular chips. The study showed no meaningful difference in digestive effects between the two groups.

Theater Test - 1,092 people, aged 13-88, watched a movie and ate as many chips as they chose in this single setting to evaluate the impact of acute consumption. The study showed no meaningful difference in digestive effects between olestra and regular chips.