FDA proposes updated definition for 'healthy' claim on food labels
Agency commits to reducing diet-related chronic diseases, advancing health equity.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a proposed rule to update the definition of the nutrient content claim “healthy.” The “healthy” claim can act as a quick signal on food package labels to help empower consumers, including those with lower nutrition knowledge, with information to identify foods that will help them build healthy eating patterns. Today’s action is just one part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to reduce diet-related chronic diseases and advance health equity. In addition to the proposed rule, the FDA joined today’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, highlighting the agency’s support of the national strategy to improve nutrition and health and empower all consumers to make and have access to healthy choices.
Diet-related chronic diseases in the U.S. are the leading causes of death and disability. Healthy eating patterns, which include fruits, vegetables, lower-fat dairy and whole grains, are associated with improved health, such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancers, and being overweight or obese. Providing informative and accessible food labeling empowers consumers and may help foster a healthier food supply for all if some manufacturers include more fruits, vegetables, dairy and whole grains and limit saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars in their products, to qualify to use the updated claim.