FDA to Crack Down on 'Healthy' Food Labels

Using the word “healthy” on food labels faces added scrutiny under updated standards proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The agency’s plan to force manufacturers to show so-called healthy products contain limited amounts of some ingredients – fat and saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol – and minimum levels of nutrients –fiber, protein, iron, calcium and vitamins A and C – was welcome news for Melissa Keeney, RDN, a registered dietitian-nutritionist with the Spine Wellness Center Hartford HealthCare.

“In the nearly 30 years since the FDA started defining the word ‘healthy’ on food labels, nutrition science has changed,” she said, noting the new proposal aligns with Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025. “Current guidelines focus on the type of fat consumed rather than total fat, and foods lower in salt and added sugars.”

Beyond the label

While food labels can help people with limited nutrition knowledge, Keeney said a healthy diet must:

• Provide adequate fuel for your life
• Include a items from different food groups for a variety of nutrients
• Be enjoyable
• Be realistic for your life

“A healthy diet is not just about eating healthy foods. It’s about having a healthy relationship with food,” Keeney explained.

Learn more here.