The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set new rules for labeling foods as "healthy." These updated rules include limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. To be labeled as "healthy," foods must also contain a significant amount of nutrients from key food groups like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, according to the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Some foods that used to be labeled as "healthy," like white bread and sugary cereals and yogurt, will no longer qualify. However, items such as nuts, seeds, salmon, olive oil, and certain peanut butters and canned fruits and vegetables will now meet the criteria.

This new rule is the first major update in 30 years and aims to reflect the latest nutrition science, helping consumers make healthier food choices. The FDA hopes that clearer labeling will encourage people to eat better and combat chronic diseases.

"The use of the 'healthy' label is voluntary for food manufacturers," said Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner. Foods meeting the new criteria can start using the label in early 2025. Those that don't meet the standards will have three years to adjust.

The FDA is also working on a front-of-package label to help shoppers easily identify healthier options. This initiative is part of a national effort to improve nutrition and health, as discussed at the 2022 Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, praised the update, saying it will help consumers trust the "healthy" label and encourage manufacturers to create healthier products. However, she emphasized the importance of a clear front-of-package nutrition label for better understanding.

These updates are part of a broader effort to promote healthier eating and reduce diet-related diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which contribute to the U.S. having the lowest life expectancy among high-income countries.