Use of the Term “Healthy” in the Labeling of Human Food Products; Request for Information and Comments

Résumé

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is announcing the establishment of a docket to receive information and comments on the use of the term "healthy" in the labeling of human food products. This action is consistent with our recently released 2016-2025 Foods and Veterinary Medicine (FVM) Program's strategic plan with specific goals for nutrition and other planned and recent activity including the issuance of final rules updating certain of our nutrition labeling regulations. In addition, we received a citizen petition asking that we update, among other things, our nutrient content claim regulations to be consistent with current federal dietary guidance. In particular, the petitioners request that FDA amend the regulation defining the nutrient content claim "healthy" with respect to total fat intake and amend the regulation to emphasize whole foods and dietary patterns rather than specific nutrients. We invite public comment on the term "healthy", generally, and as a nutrient content claim in the context of food labeling and on specific questions contained in this document.