FDA revises standards for ‘healthy’ food labeling, including salmon and olive oil.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced updated criteria for food manufacturers to label their products as “healthy,” a significant shift aimed at aligning with modern nutritional science. Salmon, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and certain canned fruits and vegetables are among the foods that will newly qualify for the label under the revised standards.
The updates, which were finalized on Thursday, establish limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, while requiring foods to contain a minimum amount of key nutrients from one of the major food groups identified in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, such as fruits, vegetables, or low-fat dairy.
Major Shift in Standards
This marks the first major change to “healthy” food labeling rules in 30 years. Foods like white bread, sweetened cereals, and sugary yogurts that previously qualified will no longer meet the requirements. The FDA argues that these updates will better reflect current scientific understanding of nutrition and provide consumers with clearer guidance for making healthier choices.
“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,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf in a statement.
Addressing Public Health Concerns
The revised rules come as the US faces a significant burden of diet-related chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which are leading contributors to disability and mortality. According to the FDA, most Americans exceed recommended dietary limits for saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium, while consuming insufficient fruits and vegetables.
Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, emphasized the potential impact of labeling on public health, stating, “Food labeling can be a powerful tool for change.”
Voluntary Adoption and Industry Implications
The use of the “healthy” label will remain voluntary for food manufacturers. Companies whose products meet the updated standards can begin using the label early next year, while those that do not currently qualify have three years to reformulate their offerings.
“The updated claim could also result in a healthier food supply if manufacturers choose to reformulate their products to meet the new definition,” Jones said.
Additionally, the FDA is working on creating a front-of-pack symbol to help consumers quickly identify products that meet the “healthy” criteria. This initiative aligns with the Biden Administration’s broader strategy outlined at the 2022 Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, which aims to improve national health outcomes.
