The FDA has updated its definition of 'healthy' for food labels, aiming to promote healthier choices and combat diet-related chronic diseases.
For the first time in 30 years, the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) has redefined what it means for food to be labeled as “healthy.” This long-awaited update aligns with modern nutritional science and aims to help consumers make better-informed choices at the grocery store. With diet-related chronic diseases on the rise, this change is an essential step toward promoting healthier lifestyles for millions of people.
When you walk down the aisles of a grocery store, food labels can be overwhelming and, at times, misleading. The term “healthy” has often been used as a marketing buzzword, slapped on products that may not align with what experts consider nutritious. Think about sugary cereals, sweetened yoghurts, or granola bars. These items, despite their “healthy” branding, often contain high levels of sugar, sodium and saturated fats. The FDA’s new rule aims to change that by ensuring that foods labeled “healthy” are more aligned with current dietary recommendations. It’s a move that FDA Commissioner Robert Califf calls “critical for the future,” pointing to the role of food as a vehicle for wellness. This shift not only helps consumers make better choices but also encourages manufacturers to reformulate their products to meet healthier standards. 1. Inclusion of major food groups: Foods must contain a certain amount of at least one major food group, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy or protein. 2. Limits on added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium: For the first time, the FDA has set strict limits on added sugars, sodium and saturated fat for any product labeled “healthy.” 3. Newly eligible foods: Items like nuts, seeds, salmon, olive oil and even water, which previously didn’t qualify for the “healthy” label, are now included. 4. Exclusions: Foods like sugary cereals, sweetened yoghurts, white bread, and some granola bars will no longer qualify as “healthy” under the new definition
HEALTH FDA FOOD LABELS DIET NUTRITION
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