The short answer
FDA has a new definition of “healthy” on food labels. The final rule was issued on December 19, 2024 and took effect on April 28, 2025 (after a delay from February 25, 2025). Companies may use the new criteria now, and must meet them by the compliance date of February 25, 2028. After that date, a food that only meets the old definition can no longer say “healthy”.
Under the new rule, a “healthy” food must contain a minimum amount of a food group (such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, dairy or seafood) and stay under limits for added sugars, sodium and saturated fat.
The two tests
- 1Food group contentThe food must contain a set amount of at least one food group recommended by the Dietary Guidelines — for example ½ cup-equivalent of fruit or vegetables, ¾ ounce-equivalent of whole grains, or 1 ounce-equivalent of seafood or nuts per serving.
- 2Nutrient limitsAdded sugars, sodium and saturated fat must stay at or below set percentages of the Daily Value per serving. The limits depend on the food group.
| Food group (individual foods) | Minimum food group amount | Added sugars | Sodium | Saturated fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grains | ¾ oz whole-grain equivalent | ≤ 10% DV | ≤ 10% DV | ≤ 5% DV |
| Dairy | ⅔ cup equivalent | ≤ 5% DV | ≤ 10% DV | ≤ 10% DV |
| Vegetables / fruits | ½ cup equivalent | ≤ 2% DV | ≤ 10% DV | ≤ 5% DV |
| Seafood | 1 oz equivalent | ≤ 2% DV | ≤ 10% DV | ≤ 5% DV* |
| Nuts, seeds, soy | 1 oz equivalent | ≤ 2% DV | ≤ 10% DV | ≤ 5% DV* |
| 100% oils | — | 0% DV | 0% DV | ≤ 20% of total fat |
* Saturated fat naturally present in seafood, nuts, seeds and soy is not counted. Limits are per reference amount customarily consumed (RACC). Mixed products, main dishes and meals have their own criteria. Always check the rule (21 CFR 101.65) before using the claim.
What changed from the old rule
- Added sugars now count. Many sweetened yogurts, cereals and fruit snacks no longer qualify.
- Healthy fats are no longer penalized. FDA says foods such as nuts and seeds, higher-fat fish like salmon, certain oils and some peanut butters can now qualify.
- Water qualifies, and so do canned fruits and vegetables that meet the limits.
- Fortification alone is not enough. The old idea of adding vitamins to qualify has been replaced by real food group content.
Example: canned fish from Portugal and dried fruit from Türkiye
Sardines in olive oil with modest sodium may now qualify as “healthy” — the natural fat in fish is not counted against the saturated fat limit, but sodium must stay at or below 10% DV. Dried apricots with no added sugar may qualify as a fruit; the same apricots coated in sugar syrup would fail the 2% DV added-sugars limit.
What about a “healthy” symbol?
FDA is still exploring a symbol that companies could use on qualifying foods. As of November 2026 there is no official symbol. Do not create your own logo that looks like an FDA mark.
What exporters should do
- 1Find every “healthy” on your U.S. packsFront panels, brand taglines and website copy that buyers may reuse.
- 2Check each product against the new criteriaFood group amount first, then added sugars, sodium and saturated fat per RACC.
- 3Decide: reformulate or removeProducts that fail must lose the claim by February 25, 2028. New packaging should follow the new rule now.
- 4Keep recordsKeep the calculations that show the food meets the criteria.
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Frequently asked questions
When must I comply with the new “healthy” rule?
By February 25, 2028. The rule took effect on April 28, 2025, and companies may use the new criteria now.
Can nuts and salmon be labeled “healthy” now?
They can qualify if they meet the food group and nutrient limits. FDA says nuts and seeds, higher-fat fish such as salmon and certain oils are among the foods that can now qualify.
Is there an official FDA “healthy” logo?
Not yet. FDA is still exploring a symbol. Do not use any logo that suggests FDA endorsement.
Is the “healthy” claim required?
No. It is voluntary. You only need to meet the criteria if you choose to use the claim.
Sources
- FDA — FDA finalizes updated “healthy” nutrient content claim
- Federal Register — Final rule, FR Doc. 2024-29957 (December 27, 2024)
- FDLI — FDA final rule updates the “healthy” claim (effective April 28, 2025; compliance February 25, 2028)
- Cooley — Criteria table summary (February 2025)
Dates and criteria checked on November 11, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice.