FDA Redefines ‘Healthy’ Food Claim on PackagingFDA Redefines ‘Healthy’ Food Claim on Packaging

The agency’s final rule on using “healthy” on food packaging reflects updates in nutrition science and will take effect on February 25.

Kate Bertrand Connolly, Freelance Writer

January 21, 2025

1 Min Read
Healthy foods
Above: Examples of foods that qualify under the updated “Healthy” claim.FDA

At a Glance

  • The new rule will take effect on February 25, 2025, with a compliance date of February 25, 2028.
  • FDA is developing a “healthy” symbol for on-pack use for products that meet the new claim criteria.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a final rule updating the definition of the “healthy” claim on food packaging. The definition was updated to be consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and nutrition science. The original “healthy” nutrient claim dates to the early 1990s.

The new rule was published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2024. It will take effect on February 25, 2025, with a compliance date of February 25, 2028.

The summary in the Federal Register states: “This final rule revises the requirements for when the term ‘healthy’ can be used as an implied nutrient content claim in the labeling of human food products to help consumers identify foods that are particularly useful as the foundation of a nutritious diet that is consistent with dietary recommendations.”

Under the rule, manufacturers may use “healthy” on food packaging if the product adheres to two conditions:

  1. First, it must contain a minimum amount of the food groups and/or subgroups recommended by the Dietary Guidelines; these include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.

  2. Second, the product must adhere to limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.

Foods that now qualify to use the “healthy” claim include seeds, nuts, 100% olive oil, salmon, eggs, plain low-fat yogurt, and some canned fruits and vegetables.

Related:Updated Food Label Would Ensure More Good Stuff, Less Bad

In addition to its work on the “healthy” claim, the FDA is developing a “healthy” symbol for on-pack use by food manufacturers whose products meet the “healthy” claim criteria.

Below: An infographic, courtesy FDA:

2024-12-16-healthyclaim-infographic-scb-508-0845.png

About the Author

Kate Bertrand Connolly

Freelance Writer

Kate Bertrand Connolly has been covering innovations, trends, and technologies in packaging, branding, and business since 1981.

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