The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new rule on December 19, 2024, to update how the term “healthy” can be used on food labels.
The “healthy” label is meant to help shoppers quickly find better food choices. To use this label, foods must now meet updated criteria based on the latest nutrition science and federal dietary guidelines. These updates reflect a focus on:
- Healthy eating patterns and food groups,
- The type of fat in a food rather than the total amount, and
- The levels of sodium and added sugars.
To qualify for the updated “healthy” label, a food must:
- Contain a certain amount of food from at least one recommended food group (like fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy, or proteins).
- Stay within specific limits for added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.
The exact requirements depend on the type of product (e.g., single food items, mixed foods, main dishes, or meals) and are based on standard serving sizes. These changes aim to guide consumers toward building healthier eating habits.
Products that Will Now Qualify for “Healthy” under the Final Rule
(Graphic from FDA)
The FDA states that nutrient-dense foods recommended by the Dietary Guidelines, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy, lean meats, seafood, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds automatically qualify for the “healthy” label if they contain no added ingredients other than water. These foods are recognized for their nutritional benefits and contribution to a healthy diet.
Under the updated guidelines, foods like water, avocados, nuts and seeds, higher-fat fish like salmon, and olive oil now qualify for the “healthy” label. This includes fresh, frozen, or canned versions of fruits, vegetables, and fish, making the label accessible across various price ranges.
However, some products that previously qualified for the “healthy” label under the old criteria no longer meet the updated standards. Examples include fortified white bread, yogurt with high sugar content, and sugary cereals.