The FDA finalized rules for significant food labeling changes, effective 2025, updating the definition of “healthy” for packaged foods. These Fda Food Labeling Changes 2025 aim to empower consumers to make informed choices aligned with current dietary guidelines. The updated “healthy” claim provides a clear signal on food packaging, helping consumers, especially those less familiar with nutrition facts, quickly identify foods supporting a healthy diet. This initiative aligns with the broader national strategy to combat diet-related chronic diseases and promote health equity through improved nutrition.
Diet-related chronic diseases are a leading cause of death and disability in the US, disproportionately affecting certain racial and ethnic minorities and lower socioeconomic groups. Healthy eating habits, emphasizing foundational foods like fruits, vegetables, lean dairy, and whole grains, are linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and obesity. These FDA food labeling changes 2025 hope to encourage healthier food choices and potentially inspire manufacturers to reformulate products to meet the updated criteria for the “healthy” claim.
The updated criteria for “healthy” align with current nutritional science, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the updated Nutrition Facts label, which includes added sugars. The revised definition focuses on limiting certain nutrients and promoting foods that contribute to a balanced diet. To qualify for the “healthy” claim, a product must meet specific criteria:
- Contain a minimum amount of food from at least one recommended food group or subgroup, as outlined in the Dietary Guidelines (e.g., fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy).
- Adhere to specified limits for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
For example, a cereal claiming to be “healthy” must contain a certain amount of whole grains and fall within the limits for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. Previously excluded foods like nuts, seeds, fatty fish (salmon), certain oils, and even water, now qualify as “healthy” under the FDA food labeling changes 2025, recognizing their role in a balanced diet. Affordable options like some peanut butters and canned fruits and vegetables also meet the new criteria. Manufacturers have a three-year grace period to comply with the changes but are encouraged to adopt the new criteria sooner.
The FDA is also exploring a standardized symbol to visually represent the “healthy” claim on food packaging. This symbol would further simplify identifying healthy food choices, reinforcing the FDA’s commitment to promoting healthy eating patterns through clear and accessible food labeling. A stakeholder webinar will be held by the FDA to provide detailed information and address any questions regarding the FDA food labeling changes 2025.
