Academy Welcomes FDA Update on Healthy Claim for Packaged Foods

January 6, 2025 – Harlivleen "Livleen" Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND, President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, released the following statement on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recently announced updated use of the term "healthy" claim for packaged foods.

"The FDA's decision to update the 'healthy' claim will improve access to important nutrition information and provide consumers valuable guidance to identify foods that fit healthy eating patterns.

Healthy eating requires consumers to have accessible information, better education and allow customization to fit individual circumstances. The update announced by the FDA is a step towards increasing the knowledge that Americans need to develop eating habits that conform with federal dietary standards.

A key priority should be to educate our nation's children and young adults so they understand what healthy means and how to make informed decisions on their nutrition.

Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) possess the specialized expertise and training to address a wide range of factors—macronutrient needs, socioeconomic influences and individual and family health histories—all of which contribute to improving consumer health and well-being.

As the FDA implements this initiative, RDNs will collaborate closely to maximize its impact on improving public health in the United States. By championing nutrition literacy programs and ensuring consumers have access to the dietary information needed for informed food choices, RDNs can and will play a pivotal role in its success."

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About the Academy

Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.