In the first update in decades, the FDA has updated the definition of “healthy” on food packaging, excluding some sugary cereals, sweetened yogurts, and fortified white breads from being able to use the claim on their labels. The FDA is also developing a new symbol/logo to help consumers identify items that meet the new “healthy” definition claim.
“Symbols may be particularly helpful for those who are less familiar with nutrition information to identify foods that can be the foundation of a healthy eating pattern,” an FDA spokesperson said.
The previous definition of “healthy” centered on individual nutrients like amounts of vitamins, minerals, fat, and protein content in the specific product. This update includes criteria that foods need to meet if the manufacturers want to claim that their product is “healthy” to help consumers make better-informed choices.
Redefining “Healthy” On Packaging
The update is based on recent Dietary Guidelines and nutrition science to emphasize supporting a varied, balanced, and nutrient-dense dietary pattern. It also limits saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars to empower people with information to build healthy dietary patterns, and to reduce chronic diseases that are related to diet which are the leading cause of death and disability in America.
According to an FDA spokesperson, food manufacturers will have until 02/25/2028 to comply with the updated claim. Public Health experts are hoping that the new definition will help to guide consumers towards more nutritious choices by removing “false healthy advertising claims” from product labels.
To meet the new definition a product must contain certain amounts of items from the food groups, like dairy, fruits, or vegetables while staying below specific limits set for sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats. Foods that can potentially qualify include fresh or frozen whole fruits, vegetables, seafood, lean game meat, trail mix with nuts and dried fruit, eggs, lentils, beans, and plain low-fat yogurt, with no added ingredients except for water.
The previous definition was that foods had to stay below certain limits for total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and dietary cholesterol. However, the updated label will now only limit saturated fats, sodium, and added sugar.
This update now recommends that unsaturated fats like those found in salmon, avocados, nuts, seeds, and 100% olive oils can qualify to use the “healthy” claim on product labels. This change is based on current evidence suggesting that unsaturated fats can offer heart health benefits, especially when they are used in place of saturated fat sources.
Food Supply and Nutritional Quality
The stricter food labeling standards of the update are also hoped to nudge manufacturers to reformulate their products to meet these standards which would benefit everyone because the overall food supply would be of better nutritional quality.
Nutrition science has begun to prioritize overall dietary patterns rather than eating individual nutrients, and this is reflected in the most recent Dietary Guidelines as well as the new definition of “healthy.” However, the majority of Americans (over 80%) do not follow the recommendations in the guidelines. Updating the definition of “healthy” on food packaging is hoped to encourage more nutritious eating patterns, and reduce the prevalence of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
If you start to see forms of the word “healthy” beginning to appear more on food packaging, keep in mind that health and nutritional recommendations are not always appropriate for each individual’s unique needs. When it comes to nutrition, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. While guidelines are a good start, nutritional needs change over our lifetime, always consider your personal dietary preferences/needs and check with your primary care provider and/or registered dietitian to ensure what is best for you.
This article was written by TJ Webber at the WHN News Desk
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
