FDA Redefines Healthy: White Bread Out, Eggs In

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule on Dec. 19 on the subject of what consumer products can be considered “healthy” when making a nutrient content claim. The FDA indicated that the rule change — among others, such as front-of-package nutrition labeling and sodium reduction — was in support of a general push to reduce diet-related chronic disease among the American populace.

“Diet-related diseases, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes, are the leading cause of disability and disease in the United States and contribute to America’s status having the lowest life expectancy amongst large high-income countries,” senior FDA official Jim Jones told reporters, per ScienceAlert.

FDA’s New Definition of Healthy Shakes Food Groups Up

Seemingly taking aim at sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, the FDA dropped a few of the following food items from the list of healthy foods, according to ScienceAlert and The New York Times.

• Yogurt or fruit cups high in added sugars
• White bread that lacks whole grains or whole wheat bread that is high in added sugar or sodium
• Fruit snacks that are high in added sugars
• Fortified breakfast cereals that contain too many added sugars

In contrast, the FDA endorsed several foods as being healthy — foods that previously may have been passed over on such a list, particularly healthy fats versus saturated fats. This distinction may not have been drawn previously.

As a result, nuts, seeds, high-fat fish (such as salmon), whole eggs, and olive oil are now accepted under the FDA’s definition of healthy.

FDA Developing New Symbol Manufacturers Can Add to Packaging if It Qualifies as Healthy, But Concerns Remain

Beginning on Feb. 25, 2025, the FDA will allow manufacturers to voluntarily include a new symbol on their packaging indicating that a food is “healthy” — so long as that food item falls within the strict definition set out by the administration. The symbol’s development is currently being explored, according to the agency.

Food labeling as a whole is gaining traction as a serious issue among activists and lawmakers alike. Incoming President Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as health secretary, as The New York Times pointed out, and RFK Jr. has been a public advocate for a returned focus on nutritional concerns.

While the FDA rule itself is voluntary and does not formally take effect until 2028, several headwinds coming from industry players and ideologically opposed lawmakers could present obstacles.