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FDA Updates Definition of 'Healthy' Foods for First Time in 30 Years, Excluding White Bread and Sugary Cereals, Effective February 2025

Dec 20, 2024, 12:00 AM

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalized a new rule that updates the definition of the term 'healthy' on food labels for the first time in 30 years. This change aims to help consumers better navigate food labels and make informed dietary choices. Under the new guidelines, food manufacturers must demonstrate that their products meet specific nutrient thresholds and limit harmful ingredients such as sodium and saturated fat to qualify for the 'healthy' label. The updated definition will allow more foods, including higher fat fish, nuts, seeds, and certain oils, to be marketed as healthy, while items like white bread and sugary cereals will be excluded. The FDA officials indicated that this initiative is part of a broader effort to combat diet-related chronic diseases in the U.S. The rules are set to take effect at the end of February 2025.