Back to: FDA CFSAN Updated “Healthy” Nutrient Content Claim: Final Rule
Presenters
Welcome and Introduction of Speakers/Technical Experts
Ms. Dayle Cristinzio
Director of the Public Engagement Staff
Office of External Affairs
Office of the Commissioner
Opening Remarks
CAPT Blakeley Fitzpatrick
Director, Division of Nutrition Labeling, Science, and Claims
Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling
FDA Human Foods Program (HFP)
Overview of Final Rule to Update the Definition of “Healthy”
Dr. Sarah Gebauer
Nutritionist
Division of Nutrition Labeling, Science and Claims
Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling | FDA HFP
Mr. Vincent de Jesus
Nutritionist
Division of Nutrition Labeling, Science and Claims
Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling | FDA HFP
Question & Answer Session
- Mr. Vincent de Jesus
- Ms. Dayle Cristinzio, Moderator
- CAPT Blakeley Fitzpatrick
- Dr. Sarah Gebauer
Abstract
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule on December 27, 2025, significantly updating the “healthy” nutrient content claim. This revision aligns the definition with current nutrition science and federal dietary recommendations, aiming to empower consumers by providing a quick signal on food labels. The goal is to help consumers identify foods that are foundational to a healthy dietary pattern and to reduce diet-related chronic diseases. The original 1994 criteria were no longer consistent with evolving science, allowing products such as sugary cereals and white bread to bear the claim. The new framework adopts a food group-based approach with nutrients to limit, requiring products to contain a meaningful amount of at least one food group (vegetables, fruit, grains, dairy, or protein) and meet specified limits for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
The final rule introduces several flexibilities based on public comments and marketplace review. Single-ingredient foods encouraged by dietary guidelines, such as raw fruits, unsalted nuts, brown rice, and water, now automatically qualify. For foods with small serving sizes (RACCs), criteria are calculated on a 50g basis. The dairy food group equivalent is lowered to 2/3 cup, and the amount of naturally occurring saturated fat in seafood, nuts, seeds, and soy products is excluded from the saturated fat limit. Additionally, added sugars limits are increased for whole grains (to 10% DV) and allowed up to 2% DV for fruit, vegetable, and protein food groups. For combination foods like mixed products, main dishes, and meals, the rule streamlines nutrient limits using a step-wise approach and offers more flexibility for food group contributions. The FDA is also developing a “healthy” symbol to further assist consumers and is collaborating with partners like Instacart to make it easier to find healthy products, with a compliance date of February 25, 2028. The updated “healthy” claim serves as a refined GPS for healthier eating, guiding consumers more precisely to foundational, nutrient-dense foods.