FDA Postpones Decision on ‘Healthy’ Food Labeling: What It Means for Your Grocery Choices

The FDA is changing what it means for food to be labeled “healthy.” These new guidelines will start about two months later than expected, pushing the date to April 28, 2025.

Back in December, the FDA finalized these new rules around nutrition labeling. The intention is to set clearer standards for food products claiming to be healthy. However, a recent memo from President Trump caused a pause on new regulations until they can be reviewed.

The FDA announced that while the effective date for the new rules is delayed, the compliance deadline remains unchanged. This means manufacturers must still meet the new standards by 2028.

The updated rule establishes limits on added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium for foods to earn the “healthy” label. Additionally, foods must include a significant portion of food groups considered vital, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. There are also requirements for maintaining records related to these claims.

Currently, only about 5% of packaged foods carry the “healthy” label. Some items that used to qualify will no longer do so, like white bread and sugary cereals. However, nutritious options like nuts, seeds, and salmon will qualify under the new rules.

The FDA plans to introduce a symbol to make it easier for consumers to spot these healthy foods on store shelves. They’re also working on front package labeling to better inform shoppers.

The last time “healthy” was defined in the food industry was back in the 1990s. With a better understanding of nutrition today, the new guidelines focus more on food patterns rather than just individual nutrients like fat and sugar.

Experts believe this update is a significant improvement. Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist, called the previous guidelines outdated and applauded the FDA’s new approach that emphasizes whole, nourishing ingredients over a narrow focus on single nutrients.

Advocacy groups like the Environmental Working Group support these changes. They urge the FDA to take additional steps, such as banning misleading labels on processed foods that don’t meet health standards.