Delayed FDA final rule will raise qualifications for foods deemed “healthy”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s final rule determining which food products can be labeled “healthy” on their packaging will be delayed until April 28.
The final rule — which was finalized in December 2024 and originally intended to take effect on Feb. 25 — provides updates to the nutritional requirements of food products voluntarily termed “healthy,” according to a news report from CNN. To maintain the “healthy” labeling, manufacturers will have to abide by new limits to added sugar, saturated fat and sodium content as well as include a certain amount of vital food groups such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean meats or low-fat dairy.
The FDA’s rule is an effort to enforce changes on the basis of advancements in nutrition science and federal dietary guidelines made over the past 30 years. In the 1990s, when the term “healthy” was last defined with regard to food package labeling, manufacturers were permitted to use the word if their products contained certain vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. The outdated definition allowed products like white breads, sweetened cereals and yogurts to be labeled “healthy.”
The FDA hopes its final rule can help consumers better identify which food products contain healthy ingredients.
Read more: CNN
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