FDA updates criteria for ‘healthy’ food labelling

As of December 2024, the FDA is updating criteria for the rules that determine when a food qualifies as ‘healthy’. This decision is the most significant update in 30 years, reflecting modern nutritional science and responding to the growing public health crisis in the US. Here we break down the changes, their potential impact, and what this means for consumers, the food industry and wellness communication in Spain and Latin America.

Why now? Chronicle of a health emergency

The FDA took the initiative on 19 December 2024 by publishing the final Nutrient Content Claim rule redefining ‘healthy’. It justifies the change with alarming statistics: about 79% of the population consumes too little fruit and vegetables, 77% exceeds the recommended intake of saturated fats, 63% of added sugars and 90% exceeds sodium limits. The goal? To curb chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer or cardiovascular problems by positioning ‘healthy’ labelling as a tool exclusively for foods that are truly aligned with the US Dietary Guidelines.

Main novelties

1. Mandatory incorporation of food groups
   For a product to exhibit ‘healthy’, it must come from at least one of the following groups: fruits, vegetables, grains – preferably whole grains, low-fat dairy or lean protein sources.

2. Strict nutritional limits

   • Saturated fats, sodium and now, for the first time, added sugars, must be kept under defined levels depending on the type of product.

   • A set minimum of, for example, half a cup of fruit or vegetables for certain foods, with maximum sugar restrictions (less than 2% of the recommended daily intake).

3. Inclusion of previously excluded foods
   Products such as nuts and seeds, fatty fish such as salmon, real olive oil and even drinking water can now display the ‘healthy’ label.

4. Phased implementation
   The rule will enter into force on 25 February 2025. There will be a maximum adaptation period until February 2028 for manufacturers to reformulate labels or products.

5. Distinctive symbol on the way
   The FDA is working on a visual icon – beyond the word ‘healthy’ – to facilitate product identification on the front label.

6. Distinctive symbol on the way
   The FDA is working on a visual icon – beyond the word ‘healthy’ – to facilitate product identification on the front label.

Criticisms and challenges

Not all is consensus. Some industry organisations have stated that they do not believe that the FDA has conducted sufficient market testing and scientific justification for this regulatory framework.

Other voices warn of the risks of the ‘healthy’ label inducing complacency, preventing consumers from reading detailed labels, which could result in ill-informed choices if not accompanied by sound educational campaigns.

And, although the rule has already been published, it could still be cut or delayed if Congress or the next administration withdraws its support, under regulatory mechanisms such as the ‘regulatory freeze’ issued on 20 January 2025.

Implications for the food industry

• Processed food manufacturers: they will have to revise labels and balance nutrients or ingredients to comply with the new limits set by the FDA, especially for products that want to keep the ‘healthy’ claim.

• Food producers aligned with healthy diets (fish, oils, nuts): they could gain competitive advantages by incorporating the label, reinforcing their premium or organic positioning.

• Dietary supplement industry: although supplements may use ‘healthy’, the FDA stresses that the notion of health is based on food products – not isolated nutrients – and supplements could only use that word if they strictly comply with the group equivalents rules.

What does this mean for consumers, Spain and Latin America?

Although these measures are unique to the US, they set a global trend in regulatory responses:

• In Spain and much of Latin America, demand for similar transparent labelling systems such as Nutri-Score, front-of-pack warnings or eco-seals could become established.

• From a legal marketing approach, these regulations will reinforce the value of credibility and transparency: ‘guaranteed seals’ could be decisive in consumer preference.

• At the healthy level of ingredient strategists, product reformulation and reformulation testing would be more and more frequent to avoid losing market presence.

Timing and conclusions

With this update, the FDA is reaffirming its commitment to healthy eating, raising its standards and promoting consumer education.

For the food sector, nutritionists and other businesses, the context is an opportunity to:

• Strengthen our communication around truly healthy products.

• Guiding consumers to recognise and value choices that really improve their health.

• Foresee the possible adoption of similar seals in global markets, aligning with future regulations.

In short, the FDA is not just updating criteria: it is setting more rigorous standards consistent with modern science. This revolution in ‘healthy’ labelling redefines the path towards a more balanced and conscious diet. We will keep you informed.