FDA Labeling “Healthy” Claim Effective Feb. 25th 2025
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Collapse ▲FDA “HEALTHY” NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIM
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing this final rule updating the definition for the implied nutrient content claim “healthy” to be consistent with current nutrition science and Federal dietary guidance, especially the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines), regarding how consumers can maintain healthy dietary practices. This final rule revises the requirements for when the term “healthy” can be used as an implied nutrient content claim in the labeling of human food products to help consumers identify foods that are particularly useful as the foundation of a nutritious diet that is consistent with dietary recommendations.
What are the new requirements?
Effective February 25, 2025, the FDA’s Final Rule for using the voluntary “healthy” nutrient content claim is now based on a food or beverage’s contribution to food groups with restrictions on the use of the claim if certain nutrient levels are exceeded. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans define food groups. They are identified in the rule as vegetables, fruits, dairy, grains, protein foods, and oils (technically not a food group, but included in the definition because of their contribution to a healthy diet).
“Healthy” foods and beverages must contribute significantly to one of these established food groups as defined by food group equivalents (FGEs). FGEs identify qualifying amounts of foods from each food group based on nutritional content. In addition to meeting FGEs, “healthy” food and beverages may not exceed certain levels for specific nutrients to limit (NTL), including limits on added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat.
What are the guidelines for individual foods?
| Food Groups | Food Group Equivalent Min. | Added Sugar Limit | Sodium Limit | Sat. Fat Limit |
| Grains | 3/4 oz whole-grain equiv. | 10% DV (5g) | 10% DV (230mg) | 5% DV (1g) |
| Dairy | 2/3 cup equiv. | 5% DV (2.5g) | 10% DV (230g) | 10% DV (2g) |
| Vegetables | 1/2 cup equiv. | 2% DV (1g) | 10% DV (230g) | 5% DV (1g) |
| Fruits | 1/2 cup equiv. | 2% DV (1g) | 10% DV (230g) | 5% DV (1g) |
| Food Groups | Food Group Equivalent Min. | Added Sugar Limit | Sodium Limit | Sat. Fat Limit |
| Game meat | 1.5oz equiv. | 2% DV (1g) | 10% DV (230g) | 10% DV (2g) |
| Seafood | 1oz equiv. | 2% DV (1g) | 10% DV (230g) | 5% DV (1g)* |
| Egg | 1 egg | 2% DV (1g) | 10% DV (230g) | 10% DV (2g) |
| Beans, peas, lentils | 1oz equiv. | 2% DV (1g) | 10% DV (230g) | 5% DV (1g) |
| Nuts, Seeds, Soy products | 1oz equiv. | 2% DV (1g) | 10% DV (230g) | 5% DV (1g)* |
| Food Groups | Food Group Equivalent Min. | Added Sugar Limit | Sodium Limit | Sat. Fat Limit |
| 100% Oil | N/A | 0% DV | 0% DV | 20% of total fat |
| Oil-based Spreads | N/A | 0% DV | 10% DV (230g) | 20% of total fat |
| Oil-based dressing** | N/A | 2% DV (1g) | 10% DV (230g) | 20% of total fat |
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| ** Must contain at least 30% oil |
When must I comply?
The use of “healthy” claims is voluntary; however, if you are currently using a “healthy” claim based on the FDA’s previous rules, these claims must be evaluated against the new requirements. If products no longer meet the requirements, manufacturers have until February 25, 2028, to comply with the new labeling requirements.
References: Federal Register, Food Labeling: Nutrient Content Claims; Definition of Term “Healthy.” Food Consulting Company, U.S. “Healthy” Nutrient Content Claim