The FDA has updated the criteria for the “healthy” nutrient content claim to help consumers identify foods that align with dietary recommendations. This claim, which manufacturers can voluntarily use, provides a quick signal on food labels to help consumers choose foundational foods for healthy eating patterns. The initiative is part of the FDA’s broader effort to reduce diet-related chronic diseases and promote health equity, particularly among racial and ethnic minority groups and individuals with lower socioeconomic status.

To use the “healthy” claim, food products must meet specific criteria, including containing a certain amount of food from recommended food groups like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and adhering to limits for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. The update expands the range of foods eligible for the claim, including nuts, seeds, and certain oils, which were previously excluded. Manufacturers have three years to comply with the new criteria, though they can adopt them sooner. The FDA is also exploring the development of a standardized symbol to make it easier for consumers to identify products that meet the “healthy” criteria.

Reference: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Finalizes Updated “Healthy” Nutrient Content Claim. FDA. Published December 19, 2024. Accessed January 20, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-finalizes-updated-healthy-nutrient-content-claim