FDA Updates "Healthy" Claim: A New Era for Nutritional Labelling
On December 19, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after over three decades updated the definition and criteria for food products to make the nutrient claim of “healthy”, originally set in 1994. The move is pivotal to reducing and minimising diet-related chronic diseases in the country. The revised "healthy" claim aims to provide consumers with more accurate and up-to-date nutrition information on food labels, ultimately promoting healthier eating patterns and improving public health.
The Need for Change
Diet-related diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are the leading causes of disability and death in the U.S. These conditions contribute to the country's low life expectancy compared to other high-income nations. Data shows that a significant portion of the population exceeds dietary recommendations for saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium, while falling short on essential nutrients from dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
Key Changes in the "Healthy" Claim
The updated "healthy" claim aligns with current nutrition science and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. To qualify as "healthy," food products must now contain a certain amount of food from at least one of the food groups or subgroups outlined by the Dietary Guidelines, including fruits, vegetables, protein foods, dairy, and grains. Additionally, these foods must meet specific limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
For example, the updated definition sets limits for added sugars for the first time. Foods that now qualify for the "healthy" claim include nuts and seeds, higher fat fish such as salmon, olive oil, and water. These changes make it easier for consumers to identify foods that are foundational to a healthy dietary pattern, removing the area for products to play foul with the claim.
Impact on Consumers and Manufacturers
The updated "healthy" claim is expected to have a profound impact on both consumers and food manufacturers. For consumers, the new definition provides a clearer and more reliable way to identify nutritious foods. This can help individuals make better dietary choices and build healthier eating patterns for themselves and their families.
For manufacturers, the updated claim presents an opportunity to reformulate products to meet the new criteria. This could lead to a healthier food supply overall, as companies strive to create products that align with the updated "healthy" standards. The FDA has also partnered with Instacart to make it easier for consumers to find products with the "healthy" claim through online grocery shopping filters and a virtual storefront.
Implementation Timelines
The updated definition will come into effect on February 25, 2025, with the businesses then having three years – until February 25, 2028 – to comply with the same. The FDA will publish the relevant document on or by 27th December 2024. It has also indicated that it intends to provide additional resources, including guidance documents, FAQs, web updates and online webinars to help manufacturers with their compliance obligations.
Future Developments
The FDA is continuing to develop a "healthy" symbol that manufacturers can use to indicate their food meets the criteria of "healthy." This symbol would provide an additional way for consumers to quickly identify nutritious foods, particularly for those who may be less familiar with detailed nutrition information.
In addition to the updated "healthy" claim, the FDA has issued a draft guidance with new Phase II voluntary sodium reduction targets and plans to propose a rule on front-of-package nutrition labelling. These efforts are part of a broader government-wide approach to improving nutrition and reducing diet-related chronic diseases in the U.S.
Conclusion
The FDA's update to the "healthy" claim represents a significant advancement in nutritional labelling. By providing more accurate and comprehensive information, the FDA aims to empower consumers to make healthier choices and foster a healthier food supply. As these changes take effect, consumers and manufacturers can contribute to a healthier future for all.
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