The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Wednesday that it is proposing to change the definition of “healthy.” The new definition excludes many popular breakfast cereals such as Honey Nut Cheerios, Special K Original Cereal and Raisin Bran.
The proposed changes will help people improve their nutrition and eating patterns, “reducing the burden of chronic disease and improving health equity,” the FDA said.
The FDA’s original definition of “healthy” has not changed since it was established in 1994. Contains nutrients calcium and iron, vitamins A and C, protein, fiber, and does not exceed specified limits for total and saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
In contrast, the FDA’s new definition of “healthy” focuses on food groups associated with healthy eating patterns, types of fat rather than total amounts, and levels of sodium and added sugars.
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For example, cereals should contain 3/4 ounces of whole grains, less than 1 gram (g) of saturated fat, less than 230 mg of sodium, and less than 2.5 g of added sugars. It says “Healthy”.
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Many popular breakfast cereals, considered by some to be nutritious, no longer qualify for the “healthy” claim under the FDA’s proposed definition.
This includes products such as:
According to FDAthe proposed change would “bring the definition of ‘healthy’ claims into line with current nutritional science.”
In a news release, the FDA said more than 80% of Americans aren’t eating enough fruits, vegetables and dairy. However, most people consume too much sugar, saturated fat, and sodium.
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“Nutrition is key to improving our nation’s health,” Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services, said in a press release. Too many people may not know what constitutes healthy food, and the FDA’s move will help educate more Americans to improve their health, address health disparities, and save lives. will help.โ