FDA Delays New Nutrition Labeling Rules Until April 28

On February 25, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an adjustment to the final rule regarding the definition of the term "healthy" in food labeling, as detailed in the Federal Register. This announcement comes in light of a presidential memorandum issued on January 20, 2025, which called for a regulatory freeze during the review period.

The key updates in the new rule include:

The implementation date of the new regulations, originally set for February 25, 2025, has been postponed to April 28, 2025, allowing for further policy review.

The rule establishes updated standards for the use of "healthy" claims, creating an evaluation framework based on food groups and nutrient limits. Foods must meet daily nutritional reference limits for added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, as well as requirements for food group equivalents (FGE).

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other foods recommended in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines will automatically qualify for the "healthy" label, along with water with less than 5 calories per serving.

Furthermore, companies must maintain traceable records for at least two years for "healthy" foods that do not have intuitive FGE labeling, subject to FDA review. The compliance date for this rule remains set for 2028, although companies are encouraged to implement the changes voluntarily ahead of time.

This delay and the new regulations are expected to have significant implications for food labeling practices and consumer awareness regarding nutrition in the United States.