FDA announcing a final rule to update the definition of the nutrient content claim “healthy”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing a final rule to update the definition of the nutrient content claim “healthy.” The updated “healthy” claim marks an important step in fulfilling the FDA’s nutrition priorities, which are part of a whole-of-government approach to address this crisis. This rule will help ensure that consumers have access to more complete, accurate, and up-to-date nutrition information on food labels.

To qualify as “healthy” under the updated definition, food products must contain a certain amount of a food from at least one of the food groups or subgroups outlined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans including fruits, vegetables, protein foods, dairy, and grains. Foods that qualify for the “healthy” claim must also  meet certain limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. Under these changes, more foods that are key to healthy eating patterns will  qualify for the “healthy” claim, which could make them easier for consumers to identify when shopping. These foods include nuts and seeds, higher fat fish such as salmon, olive oil, and water.

The updated definition for the “healthy” claim aligns with current nutrition science, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the scientific evidence supporting the updated Nutrition Facts label, which now requires the declaration of added sugars. For example, the updated “healthy” claim definition for the first time sets certain limits for added sugars.

Diet-related diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are the leading cause of disability and disease in the U.S. and contribute to America’s status as having the lowest life expectancy among large, high-income countries. Data show that 77% of people exceed the current dietary recommendations for saturated fat; 79% of people have dietary patterns low in dairy, fruits, and vegetables; 63% of people exceed current dietary recommendations for added sugars; and 90% of people exceed the daily recommended limits for sodium. 

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Check the full text of the documents (in English), click on the Link