US Food and Drug Administration is issuing a final rule that updates the definition of “healthy” nutrient content claims. The United States is facing a growing crisis of preventable diet-related chronic disease, and urgent action is needed. The updated “healthy” claim marks an important step toward achieving FDA’s nutrition priorities as part of a whole-of-government approach to addressing this crisis. This rule will help ensure that consumers have access to more complete, accurate, and up-to-date nutritional information on food labels.
“Healthy” labels will be updated to help consumers find foods that form the basis of healthy eating patterns, which may also lead to the development of healthier foods. Manufacturers can voluntarily use the “healthy” claim on food packaging if their products meet the updated definition.
“Ensuring food as a means to health is critical to our nation’s future. Improving access to nutritional information is a step the FDA can take to help people develop healthy eating patterns.” This is an important public health initiative,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Calif, MD. healthy eating. From now on, people will be able to look for things that claim to be “healthy” to help them find basic, nutritious food for themselves and their families. ”
To be considered “healthy” under the updated definition, a food must contain any of the food groups or subgroups outlined in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including fruits, vegetables, protein foods, dairy products, and grains. Must contain a certain amount of food from at least one. . Foods that qualify as “healthy” must also meet certain limits for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. These changes could mean more foods that are key to healthy eating patterns are labeled as “healthy,” making it easier for consumers to identify them when shopping. These foods include nuts and seeds, high-fat fish such as salmon, olive oil, and water.
The updated definition of the term “healthy” is consistent with current nutrition science, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the scientific evidence supporting the updated Nutrition Facts label, which requires declaration of added sugars. For example, the updated definition of a “healthy” claim places certain limits on added sugars for the first time.
Diet-related diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of disability and disease in the United States and contribute to the United States’ status as having the lowest life expectancy among large high-income countries. It has become. Data shows that 77% of people exceed current dietary recommendations for saturated fat. 79% of people eat a diet low in dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. 63% of people exceed current dietary recommendations for added sugars. And 90% of people exceed the recommended daily limit for sodium.
“Food labels can be a powerful tool to bring about change. If manufacturers choose to reformulate their products to meet the new definition, food labels such as ‘healthy’ can help promote a healthier food supply. “This could potentially help the FDA,” said Jim Jones, FDA’s deputy director for human foods. “Here’s how industry and other companies work with us to make the word ‘healthy’ a ubiquitous and immediate signal so that people can more easily build nutritious diets.” You have a chance to participate.”
FDA welcomes the opportunity to work with all stakeholders to support the use of updated “healthy” claims. The agency, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is already working with Instacart to make it easier for consumers to find “healthy” products through online grocery shopping filters and virtual storefronts. We have a partnership.
FDA is also continuing to develop a “healthy” symbol that manufacturers can use to indicate that their food meets “healthy” standards. In addition to the use of the term “healthy,” this symbol provides another way to communicate to consumers that a food product meets the “healthy” labeling standards. Symbols are especially useful for people who are not familiar with nutritional information to identify foods that are the basis of a healthy eating pattern.
The FDA recently released draft guidance that includes new Phase II sodium voluntary reduction goals, conducted consumer surveys, and updated the nutrition facts on the front of food packaging to help consumers quickly and easily identify food ingredients. It plans to announce draft regulations regarding labeling. About healthy eating.
FDA’s efforts to update “healthy” claims, develop “healthy” symbols and front-of-pack nutrition labels, and support sodium reduction in foods are part of a whole-of-government approach to improving nutrition and eating less food. plays an important role. These efforts will help consumers more easily identify foods recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and reduce intake of certain nutrients found in foods commonly considered ultra-processed. may be helpful. This action is also a key product of the White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.
FDA is committed to continuing comprehensive, science-based efforts to create a healthier food supply, inform consumers, and support healthy eating patterns across the lifespan. I’m here.
