The FDA Has a New Definition for Food Labels

The FDA has updated its definition of "healthy" food labels, aiming to help consumers make better dietary choices. To qualify, products must meet specific requirements, including providing essential nutrients from food groups such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and proteins, while staying below limits for added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat.

This change, the first in 30 years, reflects evolving nutrition science, acknowledging the benefits of healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. The FDA hopes these updated labels, along with a new icon for qualifying products, will empower consumers to choose healthier foods, addressing the nation's growing chronic disease crisis. Read more from NPR here.