US authorities have changed the definition of 'healthy' food for the first time in 30 years: low-fat products are no longer in fashion

The United States has revised its definition of what constitutes "healthy food" for the first time in 30 years. White bread, for example, has been removed from the list of healthy foods. But eggs and salmon have officially been considered healthy foods since December 19, reports Science alert.

Photo: Avocado © Valentin Jucov | Dreamstime.com

This is due to the rise in chronic diseases caused by poor diet. These could be prevented, but experts say it would require immediate action.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also announced that it is developing new labeling to help manufacturers signal to consumers that a product meets the criteria for a "healthy food."

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"Diet-related diseases, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes, are the leading cause of disability and disease in the United States and contribute to America having the lowest life expectancy among large, high-income countries," said FDA senior official Jim Jones.

Alarming statistics highlight the urgency of the problem. 77% of Americans consume too much saturated fat, 63% exceed sugar limits, and a staggering 90% consume too much sodium.

Almost 80% do not consume dairy products, fruits and vegetables.

"Consumers need access to more complete, accurate and up-to-date nutrition information on food labels," Jones added.

Under the new rules, foods labeled as “healthy” must contain significant amounts of one or more food groups recommended by the FDA’s dietary guidelines, such as vegetables, proteins, dairy products or grains. The foods must also meet established limits on the amount of saturated fat, sodium and sugar.

It’s worth remembering that not all fats are created equal, said Claudine Cavanaugh of the FDA. In the 1990s, the focus was on reducing all fats. Today, the focus is on reducing saturated fats while recognizing the benefits of healthy fats.

This means that avocados, nuts, seeds, oily fish, eggs and olive oil are now considered "healthy."

Conversely, sugary fruit snacks, heavily sweetened snack bars, fortified breakfast cereals, and yogurt or fruit punch high in added sugar—foods that were once labeled as “healthy”—are no longer considered so.

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The new symbol will serve as a "signal that allows consumers, including those with little knowledge of nutrition information, to identify foods that are the foundation of a healthy diet," Cavanaugh said.

However, the FDA did not specify when the new symbol would be ready.

Robert Kennedy Jr., Trump's nominee to lead the health department, has expressed a keen interest in promoting healthy eating, suggesting that the issue could remain a focus under the new administration.

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