The FDA’s new “healthy” food label criteria could strip the label from some yogurts, breads, and fruit cups due to hidden sugars, potentially reshaping consumer choices and market trends.
At a Glance
- FDA updates “healthy” food label criteria for the first time in 30 years
- New standards limit added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat
- Salmon, nuts, and avocados now qualify; many ultra-processed foods do not
- Changes aim to address diet-related diseases and promote healthier eating habits
- Implementation is voluntary and won’t take effect until 2028
FDA Overhauls “Healthy” Food Label Criteria
The Food and Drug Administration has unveiled a significant update to its “healthy” food labeling criteria, marking the first such change in three decades. This move aligns with modern nutritional guidelines and aims to combat the rising tide of chronic diseases plaguing Americans. The new standards impose stricter limits on added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats, potentially reshaping how popular foods are marketed and consumed.
It is important to note, however, that the FDA, along with most cardiac doctors, are radically out of step with newer research that indicates saturated fats were never the health problem they have been proclaimed to be.
Under the new guidelines, foods like salmon, nuts, seeds, and certain oils now qualify as “healthy,” while many “ultra-processed” foods are stripped of this designation. This shift reflects a more nuanced understanding of nutrition, moving away from blanket fat restrictions to focus specifically on reducing saturated fats.
For the first time in 30 years, the FDA has updated the standards for what qualifies as "healthy" on food labels.
Foods must now meet stricter limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, and they must contain beneficial nutrients from key food groups.
The new guidelines…
— Mark Hyman, M.D. (@drmarkhyman) December 19, 2024
Addressing America’s Health Crisis
The FDA’s decision comes in response to alarming health statistics: six out of ten U.S. adults have at least one chronic disease, contributing to lower life expectancy. These diet-related illnesses are not just personal tragedies but national burdens, straining our healthcare system and economy.
By redefining “healthy,” the FDA aims to encourage better eating habits through clearer, more accessible food labeling. The agency has even partnered with Instacart to facilitate online purchases of foods meeting these new standards, demonstrating a commitment to practical implementation.
Industry Pushback and Implementation Challenges
While health advocates largely support the update, the food industry has voiced concerns. Some packaged food companies worry about potential exclusion of their products from the “healthy” category. The Consumer Brands Association highlighted the industry’s efforts to innovate healthier options, suggesting the new standards might not fully recognize these advancements.
“FDA’s update to the healthy claim on food labels stands to exclude some packaged foods, despite countless years of industry innovation to provide healthier options,” said Sarah Gallo, Senior Vice President of Product Policy at the Consumer Brands Association.”
Implementation and enforcement of these new standards present additional challenges. The FDA faces budget constraints that may limit its ability to monitor compliance effectively. Moreover, the voluntary nature of the program and its delayed implementation until 2028 raise questions about its immediate impact on public health.
Political Implications and Future Outlook
The timing of this update coincides with significant political changes, as President-elect Trump’s administration prepares to take office. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., slated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has expressed intentions to challenge big food companies and improve food health standards under the slogan “Make America Healthy Again.”
