The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has postponed the implementation of a rule that would tighten the criteria for labeling foods as “healthy.” The new effective date, previously set for February 25, has now been moved to April 28, 2025, following a presidential memorandum freezing all regulations yet to be enforced under the Biden administration.
Under the proposed rule, foods high in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars would no longer be eligible to use the “healthy” label. This would impact many cereal and yogurt products, which would no longer be able to make such claims. However, the rule would permit foods like nuts, oils, and certain seafood, including salmon, to carry the label for the first time.
The FDA’s definition of “healthy” had not been updated since 1994, when concerns over fat and cholesterol dominated dietary guidelines. However, as nutrition science has evolved, it’s become clear that certain fats, such as those found in nuts and olive oil, are beneficial. This update seeks to reflect current science and would allow these foods to be considered healthy, while restricting the label’s use on many processed foods.
Currently, only about 5% of packaged foods are labeled as “healthy,” and many food companies would need to reformulate their products to meet the new criteria. The FDA has estimated that this would cost companies around $403 million, or $27 million annually, over the next two decades.
Despite the delay, companies will still be required to comply with the new rule by February 25, 2028. The delay, however, may signal that the Biden administration could revisit the regulation. The announcement of the delay was signed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raising questions about potential changes under his leadership. Kennedy, who has been vocal in his opposition to certain oils, including seed oils, might target aspects of the rule that allow these oils to be labeled as “healthy” under specific conditions.
While Kennedy’s stance on seed oils has been controversial, with nutrition scientists pushing back against his claims, the FDA’s original position held that oils such as those derived from vegetables and seeds are a healthier alternative to animal fats like butter and lard.
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