The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced updated rules for packaged foods in the U.S. to be labeled as “healthy,” with a focus on aligning choices with federal dietary guidelines to reduce diet-related chronic diseases.
The big picture: The updated definition requires foods claiming to be “healthy” to contain specified amounts of food from various food groups like fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein.
- Additionally, limits on added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats have been set depending on the type of product.
- Foods such as sugary cereals, highly sweetened yogurts, white bread, and certain granola bars are disqualified from being labeled as “healthy,” while options like avocados, olive oil, salmon, eggs, and some trail mix are permitted to use the label. Even water can now be labeled as “healthy.”
What we’re watching: The new rule, initiated in response to outdated guidelines, will take effect within two months, with food manufacturers required to comply by February 2028.
- The FDA is developing a designated label for foods considered “healthy” under the new criteria.
What they’re saying: “It’s critical for the future of the country that food be a vehicle for wellness,” said FDA Commissioner Robert Califf in a statement. “Improving access to nutrition information is an important public health effort the FDA can undertake to help people build healthy eating patterns.”
