The Food and Drug Administration is poised to add new restrictions to the use of the term “healthy” on food products.
Driving the news: The agency announced on Wednesday a proposed rule which he said would “align the definition of the ‘healthy’ claim with current nutrition science,” including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
- Under the current rule, about 5% of packaged foods are labeled “healthy,” according to the FDA.
- “Healthy food can reduce our risk of chronic diseases. But too many people may not know what constitutes a healthy meal.” The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, said in a statement. “The FDA action will help educate more Americans to improve health outcomes, address health disparities and save lives.”
Why it matters: More than 80% of US residents “do not eat enough vegetables, fruits, and dairy products,” while “most people consume too much added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium,” the FDA said.
Between lines: The new rule would require that “healthy” foods:
- “Contain a certain significant amount of food from at least one of the food groups or subgroups,” such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
- They contain limited amounts of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. For example, a “healthy” item cannot have more than 10% of the daily recommended amount of sodium per serving.
Be smart: The move seems to be targeting certain items, like sugary cereals, that claim to be good for you.
- The FDA noted in its 105-page proposed rule that some “ready-to-eat cereals that may be high in added sugars” are among foods that, under the current federal definition, can be called healthy.
The other side: “[We] support efforts to improve consumer choice and transparency,” Roberta Wagner, vice president of regulatory and technical affairs for the Consumer Brands Association, a trade group. “The definition is a first step that must be tested over time to ensure its intent to inform healthy choices. it’s accomplishing”.
Whats Next: The FDA, which timed its announcement to coincide with the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, will:
- Develop a front-of-package (FOP) labeling system that governs health claims.
- Issue voluntary guidelines recommending lower sodium content.
- Hold a public meeting to assess how to reduce added sugar.
(Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include a comment from the Consumer Brands Association, an industry trade group.)
