The Food and Drug Association is redefining what “healthy” really means following years of pressure to make changes to the way it labels food products, NBC News reports.
Congress is also urging the FDA to update what is healthy and what is not. Under old rules — which were written in the 1990s — “healthy” foods must meet government criteria on fat, saturated fat, sodium, cholesterol and nutrients.
The FDA is also redefining the definition of what a “natural” food is — a definition that has no standards and no verification in place.
"Consumers want to make informed food choices and it is the FDA's responsibility to help them by ensuring labels provide accurate and reliable nutrition information. In light of evolving nutrition research, forthcoming Nutrition Facts Labeling final rules, and a citizen petition, we believe now is an opportune time to reevaluate regulations concerning nutrient content claims, generally, including the term 'healthy.' We plan to solicit public comment on these issues in the near future," the FDA said in a statement.
