The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalised a rule to revise the definition of the ‘healthy’ nutrient content claim on food packaging.
The move aims to provide consumers with more comprehensive and current nutritional information, aligning with the FDA’s and broader government efforts to address nutritional health.
To be officially labelled ‘healthy’ products must now include specific amounts from one or more food groups recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
These groups include fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, and grains. Additionally, products must adhere to set limits for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
The updated label is designed to guide consumers towards foods that form the basis of a healthy diet.
This could also encourage the production of healthier food options. Foods such as nuts, seeds, and olive oil are now more likely to qualify for this claim.
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The FDA said it is committed to working with stakeholders to promote the new label.
The agency has partnered with Instacart, creating online filters and a virtual storefront to help consumers easily find these products.
Furthermore, the FDA is developing a new symbol to visually indicate qualifying foods.
The FDA’s efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to combat diet-related chronic diseases in the US.
These initiatives may help reduce the intake of nutrients often found in ultra-processed foods.
FDA commissioner Robert Califf said: “It’s critical for the future of our country that food be a vehicle for wellness. Improving access to nutrition information is an important public health effort the FDA can undertake to help people build healthy eating patterns.
“It is vital that we focus on the key drivers to combat chronic disease, like healthy eating. Now, people will be able to look for the ‘healthy’ claim to help them find foundational, nutritious foods for themselves and their families.”
