Ever wonder what truly qualifies as a "healthy" food option? Friends - you are not alone. With so many marketing labels thrown at us when we shop, it can be easy to believe that a product is good for us when companies tell us what we want to hear. Combine that slick messaging with beautiful packaging that showcases various illustrations of nature or a healthy lifestyle, and it's hard not to be sold on the healthy ideal - even when food manufacturers are lying to you. To that end, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working on making things more transparent for consumers with two critical updates:
1. Redefining "Healthy":
Remember those "healthy" labels on packaged foods? The FDA is updating the criteria for what can be called healthy based on the latest science. This means you'll have a better sense of which foods contribute to a balanced diet. For reference, only 3% of manufactured foods are allowed to say their food is healthy according to current FDA regulations. However, many companies get around this rule by using the word "healthy" in the product name.
2. Introducing a New "Healthy" Logo:
Imagine a symbol on your favorite products that helps you quickly identify options that meet the FDA's revised definition of "healthy." That's the goal of the new logo, which is still under development and may be introduced as early as this year.
What to Expect:
- Look for the updated definition of "healthy" to be published in April 2024.
- While the final logo design hasn't been revealed yet, it might resemble existing symbols like the USDA organic foods seal or the Whole Grains Council's stamp.
- Not all healthy foods need to use the logo, but it could become a helpful tool for many consumers.
The Bottom Line:
The FDA is trying to help you make informed choices about your food. With a more precise definition of "healthy" and a potential new logo on the horizon, navigating grocery aisles might get a little easier!
