FDA delays crackdown on which foods can be labeled ‘healthy’

Diving briefs:

• The FDA said it would. Delay implementation Of the rules that make it difficult for many food companies to label their products as “healthy.”
• The previous February 25th effective date was pushed on April 28th as part of a presidential memorandum that freezes all Biden administration regulations that have not yet been implemented.
• This rule prevents foods called “healthy” with added saturated fats, sodium and sugar. Many cereal and yogurt products cannot use labels under regulations.

Dive Insights:

Finally, the FDA updated its definition of “health” in 1994, when fat content and cholesterol were the biggest dietary concerns. But that definition has prevented foods like nuts, salmon and olive oil from being called “healthy” despite the evolution of nutritional science to show that it is based on a proper diet.

This rule allows these foods to be called “healthy” for the first time, limiting the use of labels on certain breads, cereals, yogurt and other products. Currently, the FDA estimates that 5% of all packaged foods are labeled “healthy.”

To use labels, many food companies need to reformulate their products. The FDA estimated that over the next 20 years, food companies will cost $403 million a year, or $27 million a year.

The delay in implementation date does not change the fact that businesses must comply by February 25, 2028. However, the move could indicate that the Trump administration is “interested in resuming regulations to change definitions.” Science Center for the Public Interest.

The notice announcing the delay in implementation date was signed by Robert F. Kennedy (JR), Director of Health and Human Services. One aspect that Kennedy can target under the rules is a language that allows vegetable oils and seed oils to be labeled “healthy” if they meet certain requirements.

Kennedy opposes seed oil, claiming that he has an American who drives obesity and “because he’s been poisoned without his knowledge.” Nutrition scientists have challenged the claim, and the FDA notes that in its original rules, oil and oil-based dressings are a substitute for butter and lard when cooked.