Photo: oatawa / iStock / Getty Images
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its definition of "healthy" foods, marking the first change in 30 years. The new guidelines, finalized on Thursday (December 19), aim to help Americans make better food choices by aligning with federal dietary guidelines. The FDA hopes this will reduce diet-related chronic diseases.
Under the new rule, foods labeled as "healthy" must include certain amounts of food from groups like fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein. For the first time, the rule sets limits on added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats, depending on the product type. Foods like avocados, olive oil, salmon, eggs, and some trail mixes can now be labeled as healthy, while sugary cereals, sweetened yogurts, and white bread cannot. Even water can carry the "healthy" label.
“It’s critical for the future of our country that food be a vehicle for wellness. Improving access to nutrition information is an important public health effort the FDA can undertake to help people build healthy eating patterns,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “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.”
According to the FDA, more than three-quarters of Americans have diets low in vegetables, fruits, and dairy, while nearly 80% exceed limits on saturated fats, over 60% exceed limits on added sugars, and about 90% exceed sodium limits. These factors contribute to chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
The rule will take effect in two months, with food manufacturers given until February 2028 to comply.