The FDA Proposed A New Definition For The Term “healthy,” Dividing Big Food Makers And Nutritionists

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Several major food companies, including the nation's largest producer of cereals and granola and packaged foods, have opposed a proposal by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revise the definition of "healthy" food.

In September 28, 2022, the FDA announced plans to change the labeling definition established in 1994 that "has limits on total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium..." Current dietary guidelines require "at least 10 % of Daily Values ​​for one or more of the following nutrients (DV) must be provided: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Protein and Fiber The guidelines prioritize the 'importance of a healthy diet' and the type of fat in a diet "versus total dietary fat, sodium, and added sugar."

The new definition takes into account current nutritional science, the 2020-2025 Federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and the updated Nutrition Facts label. In particular, it emphasizes "nutrients" that belong to at least one of the food groups or subgroups (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and protein foods) recommended by the American dietary guidelines. Under the proposed definition, raw fruits and vegetables are automatically considered 'healthy' due to their nutritional benefits and 'positive contribution to an overall healthy diet'. But high-sugar, low-fat foods currently considered "healthy" can't carry that label.

This is something that many large food companies continue to fight for. Cereals, pastas, yogurts and major processed food companies say strict nutritional standards label many popular foods as "bad" even if they provide few micronutrients. Several companies criticized the definition as "unconstitutional", saying it violated the company's First Amendment rights.

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The new rating system aims to help consumers analyze which products are more useful and which are less useful.

In a Feb. 16 proposal to federal agencies, Kellogg's wrote that the new definition "automatically eliminates the entire category of nutrient-dense foods." Similarly, New York-based snack company Kind has criticized the FDA's rule on added sugar, saying it "stifles innovation in fruit, vegetable and protein-based foods" and encourages companies to use artificial sweeteners. .

"The criteria for using 'healthy' should not be so stringent that it only qualifies for very limited foods, which could lead consumers to conclude that other nutrient-dense food choices are 'unhealthy,'" the company added.

General Mills, along with Annie's, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Yoplait, Chex, Cheerios, Choco Puffs, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Raisin Nut Bran and many others, have complained about the legal implications of "too restrictive" FDA regulations. :

"The proposed legislation would prevent many wholesome products, including those encouraged by the Dietary Guidelines, from making truthful and non-misleading sales claims, and unduly limiting 'healthful' would violate the First Amendment," General Mills wrote, according to CBS. News.

"Consumers have a First Amendment right to honest product information, and manufacturers have a First Amendment right to make it available," the Consumer Brand Association followed. The association, which includes Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Campbell Soup Co., estimates that 95 percent of food products on the market today don't qualify for the "healthful" label under the FDA's new requirements, reports CBS. News.

Additionally, proposed bans by some companies make food too sweet, reducing overall sales. Others say the ban makes food more accessible to consumers who are often more affordable, easier to prepare and more creative.

On the other hand, many nutritionists and food experts support the FDA's new initiatives, saying they will improve consumer health and safety. According to the dietary guidelines for the United States, more than 80% of the US population does not eat enough vegetables, fruits and dairy products. And more and more people are eating too much added sugar, saturated fat and sodium, which increases the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes, the leading causes of death in the United States.

“This new definition may exclude nutrient-dense foods. But also reject foods that offer a lot of added sugar, sodium, and/or some fat,” explains Certified Lactation Consultant Lauren Manaker, RD, RDN. And the authors add, “Some foods, like some granola bars, cereal , or yogurt, may provide more micronutrients, but contain high amounts of added sugar, which can be associated with adverse health effects when consumed in large quantities. "Health"

"This new label doesn't mean they have to give up food that isn't labeled 'healthy,'" she continued. Depending on a person's overall diet, sweetened yogurt or granola bars might qualify, assuming the rest of the meal is relatively low in sugar.

While Manaker said she welcomes some aspects of the FDA's changes, she hopes the new definitions "no longer create fear of eating certain foods that can be part of a balanced, healthy diet."

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"While there are aspects that help guide people in their food choices, the general concept of labeling a food as 'healthy' or unhealthy and making it black or white can be confusing for some people, especially when we're dieting rather than living individually. food,” adds Manaker.

Celine Beichman, director of nutrition at the Institute of Culinary Education, echoes her sentiments, commenting that the word "healthy" is one of many nutritional words that appear on packaging.

“They [FDA] have done something that I think makes sense to some extent. But I don't know if that translates into meaningful results for most people because the food environment is filled with symbols and other confusing terms related to food. You know, we do." we live in a world of experience. It was a time when there was no honor. And that's why even such a label is unacceptable to people."

In addition to the proposed definition, the FDA also defines symbols on the front of food packaging to mean "healthy" foods. The statement, along with the label, "serves as a quick tip to encourage consumers" and helps them quickly identify nutritious foods.

Today, users can include more vegetables, fruits and whole grains in their diet to improve their overall health. Susan Mayne, director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, also recommends low-fat dairy products, foods high in protein, and healthy oils like olive and canola.

"Try to eat and drink foods and beverages high in fat, sodium, or added sugar," she adds.

The FDA is currently reviewing public comments and comments on the proposed regulations. At the moment it is not known when a final decision will be made.

The FDA has created an official definition of a "healthy" product.