Snack bars out, salmon in for US ‘healthy’ food labels

The US has ­redefined what qualifies as ‘healthy’ food for the first time in 30 years, striking items such as white bread from the list.

Some of what was previously deemed healthy in the US now does not make the cut

The US has ­redefined what qualifies as “healthy” food for the first time in 30 years, striking items such as white bread from the list while welcoming nutrient-rich options such as eggs and salmon.

The move comes against the backdrop of a growing domestic crisis of preventable, diet-related chronic diseases, which experts warn demand immediate action.

“Diet-related diseases, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes, are the leading cause of disability and disease in the US and contribute to America’s status as having the lowest life expectancy amongst large high-income countries,” said Jim Jones, a senior official at the Food and Drug Administration.

Alarming statistics highlight the urgency of the issue: 77 per cent of Americans exceed recommendations for saturated fat intake, 63 per cent surpass limits for added sugars, and a staggering 90 per cent consume too much sodium. Nearly 80 per cent fall short on dairy, fruits, and vegetables.

“The healthy claim has been updated to help ensure that consumers have access to more complete, accurate and up-to-date nutrition information on food labels,” Mr Jones said.

Under the new rules, foods ­labelled as “healthy” must contain a meaningful amount of one or more food groups recommended by the FDA’s dietary guidelines, such as vegetables, proteins, dairy or grains.

They must also stay within specific limits for saturated fat, sodium and added sugars.

Not all fats are created equal, emphasised Claudine Kavanaugh of the FDA. When the original rule was introduced in the 1990s, “the focus was on lowering all fats. Today, the emphasis is on reducing saturated fats while recognising the benefits of healthy fats”.

This shift means avocados, nuts, seeds, high-fat fish, eggs, and olive oil now qualify as “healthy”. Conversely, sugary fruit snacks, heavily sweetened snack bars, fortified breakfast ­cereals, and yoghurt or fruit punch high in added sugars – all of which previously earned the label – no longer make the cut.

Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Health Department, Robert Kennedy Jr, has shown a strong interest in promoting healthy food and eating habits.

AFP