What does “healthy” mean? New guidelines for food labels focus on what we should eat, instead of what we shouldn't.

Summary

The FDA has updated its criteria for labeling foods as “healthy,” focusing on whole, nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, seafood, nuts, and lean meats.

Items high in added sugars, salt, or saturated fats, like fortified white bread and sugary cereals, no longer qualify, closing past loopholes.

The new rule also eliminates loopholes that allowed unhealthy products to qualify as “healthy” by fortifying them with vitamins.

Experts praise the move as aligning with current dietary guidelines, though some warn it may oversimplify nutrition.

Food companies have until 2028 to comply. A new “healthy” symbol is also in development.

  • @[email protected]English
    3•6 hours ago

    This sounds like good progress.

    In the meantime, I look forward to a 2027 full of off-brand immitation “Healthful” badges on Little Debbie snack cakes and Lucky Charms cereal boxes.