Right now, about one out of twenty packaged food products in stores have the label “healthy.” Companies can add that word to their products because they meet the government’s current rules.
But the FDA says the current rules, which were made in 1994, need to be updated. One reason is that they don’t set limits on added sugars. Yet scientists know that too much sugar can lead to a disease called type 2 diabetes, tooth decay, and more.
The FDA’s new rules would mean most sugary foods couldn’t be labeled “healthy” anymore.
What foods would still be considered healthy? Natural foods like nuts, beans, fruits, and veggies would be on the list. Whole grain pasta, eggs, and fish would qualify too.