We are dedicated to keeping our customers informed about important regulatory changes that impact the food and beverage industry. Recently, the FDA finalized a significant update to the healthy nutrient content claim, creating exciting new opportunities for food manufacturers to showcase products that align with shifting consumer preferences and the latest regulatory standards.

The Update

As of December 19, 2024, the FDA introduced updated criteria for using the “healthy” claim on food labels. This voluntary claim can help manufacturers position their products as foundational to a balanced diet, aligning with current nutrition science and consumer demand for transparency.

To bear the healthy claim, products must:

• Include a specified amount of food from recommended groups such as fruits, vegetables, fat-free or low-fat dairy, or whole grains.
• Meet limits for nutrients like saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.

Foods previously ineligible, such as nuts, seeds, certain oils, higher-fat fish (e.g., salmon), and water, now qualify under the new criteria. Manufacturers have a three-year compliance period but can begin adopting the changes sooner.

The FDA is also working on a standardized symbol for the healthy claim, designed to make it easier for consumers to identify qualifying products.

Why It Matters

The FDA’s changes are part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing diet-related chronic diseases and advancing health equity across populations. By reformulating products to meet new nutritional standards or by accurately labeling qualifying foods, manufacturers play a pivotal role in supporting public health initiatives. This proactive approach not only aligns with regulatory requirements but also enables companies to maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly health-conscious market, demonstrating their commitment to consumer well-being and long-term success. For more details on the FDA’s Updated Healthy Nutrient Content Claim, read the full update here.

Your Partner in Compliance

Navigating regulatory updates doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With LabelCalc, you can adapt quickly and efficiently to ensure your products meet FDA standards and consumer expectations. If you have any questions or need assistance with your labels, our team is here to help.

About LabelCalc

LabelCalc, a Datacor company, is used by food manufacturers worldwide to generate accurate nutrition facts labels quickly and easily. Our intuitive software gathers all the essential details about ingredients, nutrition facts, serving sizes, and allergens, expertly formatted and compliant with the latest FDA regulations. LabelCalc saves you valuable time and eliminates the hassle of complex calculations by seamlessly handling all the behind-the-scenes work.