What is “Healthy?” Are Fats In?

Yesterday, FDA released the final rule that updates the definition for “healthy” nutrient content claims. In an update that may be long overdue, manufacturers who use the term “healthy” (or derivative terms: “health,” “healthful,” “healthfully,” “healthfulness,” “healthier,” “healthiest,” “healthily,” and “healthiness”) on a covered food product label must follow the rule’s limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. This is a change from the original limitations on “health” claims, which limited saturated fat, sodium, total fat, and dietary cholesterol, but not added sugar. While health trends continue to evolve, the new rule aims to better assist consumers in choosing healthy foods while shopping.

While there is still not a universal symbol or icon that consumers can use to identify healthy food choices, covered food products now must contain a certain amount of food from at least one recommended food group included in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (vegetables, fruits, dairy, protein foods, and whole grains). The rule exempts raw fruits and vegetables, as well as individual foods or mixed products that are made of at least one of the foods encouraged by the Dietary Guidelines, with no other added ingredients except water. Some foods that previously qualified to use the term “healthy” no longer do.

Manufacturers may choose to use the new “healthy” claim standards starting on February 25, 2025, but compliance isn’t required until 2028.

We look forward to providing a deeper analysis in our next update, including how this final rule may impact companies who operate under a “health-halo.” For additional information, the final rule and the FDA Fact Sheet can be found here and here.