The Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) recently updated the definitions of the term “healthy” for labeling on foods. The new rules tighten limits on saturated fat, sugar, and salt in food that can be sold under that claim. The 318-page rule sets highly specific guidelines for what can be labeled as “healthy,” “healthful,” or “healthiest.”

The F.D.A. stated that the policy update is meant to empower consumers by helping them quickly identify nutritious food options at the grocery store. The agency emphasized that diet-related diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are major contributors to disability and decreased life expectancy in the United States. The F.D.A. views food labeling as a powerful tool for promoting healthier eating habits.

Under the new guidelines, to be labeled as “healthy,” a 50-gram serving of a dairy product must contain no more than 5 percent of a person’s daily sugar level and 10 percent of their daily salt and saturated fat limit. These standards also apply to fruits, grains, vegetables, meat, and other foods. The update includes some processed and packaged foods that were previously excluded from the definition of “healthy,” such as nuts, seeds, salmon, some oils, and water. However, the label will be stripped from foods like yogurts, fruit cups, and whole wheat bread products that are considered too high in sugar or sodium.

Overall, the F.D.A.’s goal with the updated labeling terms is to provide clearer guidance to consumers and promote healthier food choices. The agency believes that these changes will help address the prevalence of diet-related diseases in the United States and encourage individuals to make more informed decisions about their diet.

Source: https://www.pressrundown.com/health/fda-updates-what-healthy-foods-are?lctg=6508b820e8179a307e601d89