New FDA Rules for "Healthy" Food Labels
Background
Packaged foods in the United States will have to follow new rules to be labeled as "healthy," according to changes finalized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This update aims to help Americans navigate food labels at the grocery store and make choices aligned with federal dietary guidelines, reducing rates of diet-related chronic disease.
New Criteria for "Healthy" Label
Under the new rule, products claiming to be "healthy" must contain a certain amount of food from one or more food groups such as fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein. For the first time, the rule sets limits for added sugars. Foods must also limit sodium and saturated fat levels, depending on the type of product.
Impact on Food Labels
The change bans foods such as sugary cereals, highly sweetened yogurts, white bread, and some granola bars from bearing a "healthy" label. On the other hand, foods like avocados, olive oil, salmon, eggs, and some trail mix can now use the label. Even water can now be labeled as healthy, the agency said.
FDA Commissioner’s Statement
"It’s critical for the future of the country that food be a vehicle for wellness," FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said 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."
Timeline
The new rule will take effect within two months, and food manufacturers will have until February 2028 to comply. A label that designates certain foods as healthy is still being developed, FDA officials said. Under the previous rule, about 15% of products were eligible for the healthy designation, but only 5% made the claim.
Expert Reaction
Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, called the change a "huge improvement" from the "horribly outdated" guidance.
Concerns from Industry
Consumer Brands Association, a food industry trade group, expressed concerns that the new rule "stands to exclude some packaged foods, despite countless years of industry innovation to provide healthier options." The group also questioned the scientific basis of the new criteria.
Conclusion
The new rule is a significant update to the 30-year-old definition of "healthy" foods. By setting limits for added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat, the FDA aims to help Americans make healthier choices and reduce the risk of diet-related chronic diseases.
FAQs
Q: What is the new rule for "healthy" food labels?
A: The new rule requires products to contain a certain amount of food from one or more food groups and sets limits for added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat.
Q: What types of foods will be affected by the new rule?
A: Sugary cereals, highly sweetened yogurts, white bread, and some granola bars will no longer be eligible for a "healthy" label, while foods like avocados, olive oil, salmon, eggs, and some trail mix will be eligible.
Q: When will the new rule take effect?
A: The new rule will take effect within two months, and food manufacturers will have until February 2028 to comply.
Q: What is the goal of the new rule?
A: The goal is to help Americans make healthier choices and reduce the risk of diet-related chronic diseases by providing clear and accurate nutrition information on food labels.
