FDA Revamps Definition of ‘Healthy’ Food Label

On December 19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a significant update to the definition of “healthy” food labeling, marking the first major change since 1994.

This new regulation, which is aligned with contemporary nutrition science and dietary guidelines, aims to help consumers make more informed food selections and reduce the incidence of diet-related chronic diseases in the U.S., according to the agency.

According to the revised criteria, foods that are labeled as healthy must include a specified amount from at least one of the food groups or subgroups recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Furthermore, these products must comply with certain restrictions on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.

“It’s essential for our nation’s future that food serves as a pathway to wellness,” FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf stated. “Enhancing access to nutritional information is a crucial public health initiative that the FDA can pursue to assist individuals in establishing healthy eating habits. Focusing on vital elements like nutritious eating is paramount for combating chronic diseases. Now, individuals can search for the ‘healthy’ label to identify foundational, nutrient-rich foods for themselves and their families.”

The updated definition, which was first suggested in 2022, permits a wider variety of foods to qualify for the “healthy” label. This includes items like nuts, seeds, higher-fat fish such as salmon, olive oil, and water. On the other hand, several previously eligible foods may no longer qualify, such as certain sweetened yogurts, sugary cereals, and white bread.

This update is part of a broader governmental effort to tackle the escalating problem of preventable, diet-associated chronic diseases in the U.S., as noted by the agency.

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According to FDA statistics, 77% of Americans surpass current dietary recommendations for saturated fat, 79% have diets low in dairy, fruits, and vegetables, and 63% exceed guidelines for added sugars. Moreover, the agency reports that 90% of Americans exceed the recommended daily sodium intake.

The updated “healthy” label is optional for manufacturers, who will have a grace period of three years to conform to the new standards.

The FDA is also considering the creation of a standardized symbol that manufacturers could use to signify a product meets the “healthy” criteria, which would benefit consumers who may not be well-versed in nutritional information.

Consumer advocacy organizations have generally welcomed this development.

“We anticipate that the ‘healthy’ regulation will have a minimal impact because it pertains only to a minority of products that display the voluntary ‘healthy’ claim,” she stated. “The most significant action the Biden Administration could undertake to utilize food labeling for public health is to release the FDA’s proposed rule on mandatory front-of-package nutrition labels. Several nations, including Canada and much of Latin America, already enforce clear labels that conspicuously indicate when foods are high in sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat.”

Some industry groups have voiced concerns. The Consumer Brands Association, a food industry trade association, has stated that the new regulation “could exclude certain packaged foods, despite years of industry innovation aimed at providing healthier alternatives.”

A representative from the group expressed concern that the new regulation “lacks a foundation of clear and unequivocal scientific evidence” and does not fully take into account potential economic repercussions for consumers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.