FDA updates its definition of "healthy" foods
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Food manufacturers will have to show their products meet a threshold for nutrients and have limited amounts of sodium, saturated fat and other harmful ingredients in order to be labeled "healthy," the FDA said today.
Why it matters: It's the first major change to the definition in three decades and could help consumers make healthier choices as rates of obesity and diet-related chronic disease soar, advocates say.
- "Food labeling can be a powerful tool for change,"said FDA Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones.
Details: Under the rule released Thursday, a half cup of fruit or vegetables must have no more than 2% of the recommended daily sugar intake for adults to be deemed healthy.
- The sodium content can't exceed 10%, and saturated fats no more than 5% of the recommended daily value.
- Grain, dairy and protein foods, as well as dressings have similar guidelines.
Healthy oils have to be certified as 100% pure, and no more than 20% of their total fat can be from saturated fat.
- Whole foods that contain no added ingredients except for water automatically qualify for the "healthy" claim.
Between the lines: About 5% of all packaged foods are currently labeled as healthy under old regulations dating to 1994.
- The definition needed updating to reflect nutrition science which supports a more nutrient-dense diet, officials said.
- For instance, salmon wasn't deemed healthy under the old rule because of its high fat content, even though it's a good source of heart-heathy fatty acids.
- At the same time, foods with high levels of added sugar like cereal could be considered in the healthy category.
The intrigue: The FDA on Thursday also announced a partnership with Instacart to make it easier for consumers to find healthy products through online grocery shopping, filters and a virtual storefront.
By the numbers: 79% of people have diets that are low in various fruits and vegetables, officials said.
- 77% of people exceed current dietary recommendations for saturated fat, 63% of people exceed them for added sugars and 90% of people break recommended limits for sodium, they said.
- They estimate the rule could save $686 million over 20 years, by reducing deaths.
The other side: Some manufacturers said the update was heavy handed and based on shaky science.
- "FDA's update to the healthy claim on food labels stands to exclude some packaged foods, despite countless years of industry innovation to provide healthier options," said Sarah Gallo, senior vice president of product policy for the Consumer Brands Association in a statement.
- "We remain concerned that this government regulation is not based on clear and unambiguous scientific evidence or an in-depth economic analysis that considers all the potential impacts to consumers and the market," she said, adding that consumers would be confused about what food options contribute to a healthy diet.
What we're watching: Manufacturers have until February 25, 2028 to comply.
- Advocates are still pushing the FDA to move forward with a proposed rule for a front-of-package labeling system.
- Studies have shown such systems in countries like Chile or Mexico positively influence consumer behavior.
- "Although the updated 'healthy' claim is an important update to food labeling, it is voluntary and may only appear on a small number of food and beverage packages," American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown said in a statement. "That's why the FDA's work on front-of-pack nutrition labeling is so important."
