FDA issues final rule on “healthy” nutrient content claim

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its final rule updating the “healthy” nutrient content claim. The updated criteria for the claim include limits to certain nutrients, and identified foods that are consistent with Dietary Guidelines. For example, in order to carry a “healthy” claim, the product must adhere to limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar. It should also contain a certain amount of food that is from at least one of the food groups or subgroups recommended by Dietary Guidelines. These include fruit, vegetables, fat-free, and low-fat dairy, for example.

Foods such as nuts, seeds, higher fat fish such as salmon, oils, and water are foods that previously did not qualify to carry a “healthy” claim because they are foundational to healthy eating patterns and recommended by Dietary Guidelines. However, under the finalized rule, these foods now quality to carry that claim. Foods such as peanut butter, as well as canned fruits, and vegetables may also qualify. According to FDA, manufacturers that choose to carry the claim have three years to conform to the new criteria but can use the new criteria sooner.

The Agency also stated in its announcement that it was continuing to explore the development of a symbol that manufacturers could use on food labels demonstrating compliance with the “healthy” claim criteria. The final rule can be viewed in full here.