The FDA Wants to Know What You Think “healthy” Means
What is considered healthy food? This is not just a tough question for you and me – it is now baffling the FDA. They regulate food labeling and want you to specify in which foods the word ” healthy” should be used.
Previously, the FDA only allowed foods to be labeled as healthy if they were low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol, and other requirements. But they began to rethink the requirements thanks to the KIND eateries .
First, the FDA sent KIND a warning letter saying they did not meet the health food requirements; they are made mostly of nuts, and nuts are rich in fats. Kind responded that nuts are healthy and the FDA definition needs to be changed. Surprisingly, the FDA agreed and stated that KIND could continue to use the term, while the FDA has seriously considered what “ healthy” should actually mean.
This is where you come in. Starting today, the FDA will comment on whether and how the definition of health should be revised. Here are some of their questions for you:
- What do consumers expect when they see the word “ healthy” on a label?
- Does healthy only describe the nutrients in food (fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, etc.) or does it cover other ideas, such as unprocessed or containing certain food groups?
- Should the use of this term be allowed in all types of food? Should some categories be disqualified?
A complete list of questions, along with instructions for submitting a comment (professional tip: look for the “Comment Now!” Button) can be found at the federal link below. Comments are accepted until January 16, 2017.
Use of the term “healthy” when labeling food for humans | Rules.gov via NBC News
Photo by Mike Mozart .