The US Food and Drug Administration has taken a significant step by finalizing new standards that foods must adhere to in order to be labeled as "healthy." These requirements bring about important changes that aim to guide consumers towards making better food choices.

Key Changes in the "Healthy" Food Labeling Standards

Limitations on Saturated Fat, Sodium, and Added Sugars

Now, foods labeled as "healthy" must have specific limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. This ensures that consumers are aware of the nutritional content of the products they are purchasing. For example, a typical serving of a healthy food might have a reduced amount of saturated fat compared to similar products. This helps in managing health risks associated with excessive intake of these substances.Moreover, the limitations on sodium are crucial as high sodium intake can lead to various health problems. By setting these limits, the FDA is aiming to promote a healthier diet for the population.

Inclusion of Key Food Groups

"Healthy" foods are now required to contain a certain amount of food from at least one of the key food groups outlined in the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This includes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Including these food groups provides essential nutrients and vitamins that are necessary for a balanced diet.For instance, a bowl of mixed fruits can meet the requirement of including a food from the fruit group. Similarly, a serving of low-fat yogurt can contribute to the dairy component. This encourages consumers to choose foods that are rich in these beneficial nutrients.

Impact on Certain Foods

Some foods that previously carried the healthy label, such as white bread and heavily sweetened cereal and yogurt, will no longer qualify. This is because they do not meet the new standards. On the other hand, nuts and seeds, salmon, olive oil, some peanut butters, and canned fruits and vegetables are among those that will newly qualify.Nuts and seeds are a great source of healthy fats and proteins. Salmon is known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which is beneficial for heart health. Olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fats and has various health advantages. These new qualifying foods offer consumers more options for incorporating healthy choices into their diets.

First Major Change in 30 Years

The final rule announced on Thursday is the first major change to the "healthy" food labeling standards in 30 years. The agency believes that these updates better align with the latest science on nutrition and can have a significant impact on public health.By keeping the standards up to date, the FDA is ensuring that consumers have access to accurate and relevant nutrition information. This allows them to make more informed decisions about their food choices and work towards building healthy eating patterns.

Voluntary Use by Food Manufacturers

The use of "healthy" labeling is voluntary for food manufacturers. However, foods that meet the new requirements can start using the label early next year. Those that do not currently meet the standards have three years to conform.This gives food manufacturers the opportunity to reformulate their products if they choose to do so. It also provides them with a clear guideline on what constitutes a "healthy" food, enabling them to develop new, healthier products that qualify for the label.

Other Initiatives by the FDA

In addition to the updated "healthy" labeling standards, the FDA is also working on a symbol that can be put on packages to help consumers more easily identify healthy foods. They are also developing a plan for nutrition labeling that will appear on the front of food packaging to complement the more in-depth labels on the back.These initiatives aim to provide consumers with more comprehensive and accessible nutrition information. By having a symbol on the package and front-of-pack labeling, consumers can quickly identify healthier options and make better choices while shopping.The nutrition initiatives are part of a national strategy outlined by the Biden Administration at the Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in 2022. The updated definition of "healthy" is expected to give consumers more confidence when shopping and motivate food manufacturers to develop new, healthier products.However, it is important to note that the "healthy" label may only appear on a small number of packages. This is why the FDA's work on front-of-pack nutrition labeling is so crucial. A front-of-pack labeling system based on the best available science and consumer research would provide valuable information to consumers and help them quickly identify healthier options.We urge the administration to move forward with a proposed rule for a front-of-pack nutrition labeling system to further enhance consumer awareness and promote healthier eating.