FDA Revises ‘Healthy’ Food Labeling Rules for Enhanced Consumer Wellness
The FDA has recently redefined its criteria for what can be labeled as “healthy” on food packaging. This significant revision, the first in 30 years, now includes foods like nuts, seeds, higher-fat fish such as salmon, olive oil, and water under the “healthy” claim. Additionally, products must now meet stricter limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars to qualify.
“It’s critical for the future of our country that food be a vehicle for wellness,” stated FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. The revised definition is in line with current nutrition science and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which may encourage manufacturers to reformulate products to be more nutritious.
In an effort to make it easier for consumers to find products with the “healthy” claim, the agency has partnered with Instacart. This collaboration will allow consumers to use online grocery shopping filters to quickly identify these products.
Despite these efforts, diet-related diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes remain the leading cause of disability in the U.S. It is hoped that these new labeling rules will help to combat these pressing health issues.
Source: FDA Updates Healthy Claim Providing Refreshed Tool for Consumers