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Just in time for the new year, the FDA has updated the definition of “healthy” on food labels.
The first definition of "healthy" was set in 1994 and focused on limiting fats and sodium. Foods also had to be a “good” source of key nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, and protein:
Limited amounts of total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium
At least 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for one or more of: vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, protein, and fiber
The 2024 Update:
The new update takes into account the plethora of research that has clarified the role of various types of fats and recognizes that some fats have healthy benefits. The new definition also takes into account the role of excess added sugars in chronic diseases.
You’ll also see lots of foods labeled as “healthy” that were previously excluded. The new definition includes some processed and packaged foods, and foods that were previously excluded, like nuts, seeds, salmon, some oils, and water. It also removes the "healthy" label from foods that are too high in sugar or sodium, like highly sweetened yogurts, sugar-added fruit cups, fortified white bread, and highly sweetened cereals.
To meet the updated criteria for the claim, a food needs to:
1. contain a certain amount of its content from at least one of the food groups or subgroups (such as fruit, vegetables, grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy and protein foods) recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
2. meet specific limits for added sugars, saturated fat and sodium.
The new definition includes foods that were previously left out but are healthy such as:
· Nuts and seeds
· Salmon
· Olive and Canola Oils
· Unsweetened Yogurt
· Eggs
Be on the lookout as the FDA is developing a symbol for these foods so you can easily spot healthy foods! For info, go to the FDA website.
As always, many thanks to all viewers and subscribers!
Beth Kitchin PhD RDN
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