FDA Updates Definition of 'Healthy' Foods

The FDA has officially updated its definition of 'healthy' for food labeling for the first time since 1994, aiming to aid consumers in making better dietary choices amidst rising processed food consumption. To qualify for the 'healthy' label, products must contain specific amounts from food groups outlined in the Dietary Guidelines and adhere to new limits on added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. Notably, foods rich in healthy fats, such as salmon and nuts, can now be labeled as 'healthy', while products with high added sugars will no longer qualify. The FDA plans to introduce a new 'healthy' icon to further assist consumers. Despite these changes, some experts express concerns that the impact will be limited, as the voluntary nature of the labeling may not significantly reduce the consumption of unhealthy products. Calls for more comprehensive labeling reforms, including mandatory front-of-package nutrition labeling, are ongoing.