Interestingly the FDA JUST updated last week their guidelines about what can be labelled as healthy. Prior to this change nuts and salmon were not considered healthy but sweetened cereals and granola bars were. Insanity letting big food police themselves.
What I was taught in the late 90s in medical school was 100% wrong and many docs and adults still practice the low fat diet with substitute margarine and such which has not been helpful at all.
A book called Deep Nutrition really helped re-educate myself on nutrition and dyslipidemia, great read with solid biochemical basis.
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The FDA has recently finalized new rules for the "healthy" nutrient content claim on food labels, marking the first significant update in three decades. These changes, announced on December 19, 2024, aim to align the "healthy" designation with current nutritional science and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025[1][2].
## Key Updates
**Expanded Eligibility:** The list of foods automatically qualifying for the "healthy" claim has been expanded to include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy, lean meat, seafood, eggs, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and seeds[1]. Additionally, water, tea, and coffee with less than 5 calories per serving now qualify[1].
**Nutrient Limits:** The new rules impose stricter limits on saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars[2]. Specific adjustments have been made for certain food categories, such as dairy products, game meats, eggs, and seafood[1].
**Flexibility for Small Portions:** Foods consumed in small quantities (with a Reference Amount Customarily Consumed of 50 grams or less or 3 tablespoons or less) have been granted increased flexibility to use the claim[1].
## Notable Changes
1. **Newly Qualifying Foods:** Items like salmon, avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can now use the "healthy" label[4][6].
2. **Disqualified Foods:** Certain products that previously qualified, such as fortified white bread, highly sweetened yogurt, and sugary cereals, will no longer be eligible for the "healthy" designation[3][6].
3. **Focus on Dietary Patterns:** The new criteria emphasize foods that contribute to overall healthy dietary patterns, rather than solely focusing on individual nutrients[5].
## Implementation
- Food manufacturers can voluntarily use the "healthy" claim if their products meet the updated criteria[5].
- Companies can start using the new label at the beginning of 2025[4].
- Products that don't currently meet the new standards will have a three-year grace period to adapt[4].
The FDA is also developing a symbol for easier identification of "healthy" foods and working on a front-of-package nutrition labeling strategy[4]. These updates are part of a broader initiative to address chronic diseases and promote health equity through improved nutrition[5].
Citations:
[1]
https://www.dlapiper.com/en/insights/publications/2024/12/fda-issues-updated-final-rule-for-healthy-labeling[2]
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/health/fda-healthy-foods-label.html[3]
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fda-healthy-food-packaging-ruling-rcna184534[4]
https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/19/health/healthy-food-label-fda-update/index.html[5]
https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-finalizes-updated-healthy-nutrient-content-claim[6]
https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/use-term-healthy-food-labeling[7]
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/12/19/fda-healthy-food-label-new-rrules/77088086007/ No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full
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