The FDA has finalized a new rule to redefine the term “healthy” when it comes to the nutrient content claim on food packaging. This rule, presented at a webinar, aims to help consumers find foods that align with their dietary needs. The new rule, effective in 2028, is supported by updated nutrition science and assesses industry and community comments.
Culinary Argan Oil welcomes the new rule as it clarifies what is healthy. As we meet the rules, we now may officially carry the Healthy seal on our packaging.
Healthy labeling: from 1994 to now
The webinar (linked below), was presented by members of the FDA’s Division of Nutrition labeling science and claims from Capt Blakeley Fitzpatrick, Dr. Sarah Gabau, and Mr. Vincent De Jesus. In the webinar, Capt Fitzpatrick emphasized the need for a redefinition of the term “healthy” that reflects current nutritional science and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans that would help them reduce chronic diet-related illnesses.
For America, the term “healthy” first appeared in 1994 with good intentions. It was made to help consumers recognize foods on the grocery store shelves that have beneficial nutrients. Over time, the criteria for “healthy” became misaligned with the ever-changing nutritional science. If a product had certain vitamins or minerals, they would still be labeled as healthy.
Under the original rule, products could not exceed certain thresholds of total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol, and were required to contain at least 10% of the daily value (DV) for a beneficial nutrient like fiber, protein, or vitamins A and C. This outdated framework allowed items like white bread or sugary cereals to be labeled as healthy and trick consumers simply due to the added vitamins.
The “healthy” claim, which appears on some food packages, can help you find a variety of foods that are the foundation of a healthy dietary pattern.
I mean from ‘examples’ through the 4 %. Not the left side because they don’t list the oils and I don’t want to be confused.
Focusing on food groups
Recognizing the need to change, the FDA proposed and invited public comments in 2022. The agency received over 400 submissions, many of which voiced concern that the proposed rule was too complicated and restrictive. To address this feedback, the FDA conducted a marketplace review to assess how real-world products would fare under the new criteria.
The findings influenced several adjustments in the final rule to strike a balance between scientific rigor and practical application. They found that the best solution was to shift from only focusing on nutrients to looking at the bigger picture and focusing on food groups instead.
The new criteria for claiming that something is healthy now prioritize whole food groups recommended in the federal dietary guidelines. Food groups such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy. For a product to claim “healthy” on the label, it now must contain a meaningful amount of at least one of these food groups and must not exceed limits of added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats.
More specifically, Dr. Gabau outlined the revised criteria for single-ingredient dominant products:
- Dairy: The food group equivalent (FGE) threshold was lowered from ¾ cup to ⅔ cup to accommodate common products like yogurt.
- Seafood: Naturally occurring saturated fat is excluded, and the saturated fat limit was reduced to 5% DV.
- Oil-Based Products: Sodium limits were increased from 5% DV to 10% DV for spreads and dressings.
The rule also clarified that not meeting the “healthy” claim does not automatically mean a food is unhealthy.
Other label claims, such as “excellent source of fiber” or “supports heart health,” may still be valid. Additionally, they explained that certain exemptions have also been added.
Single ingredient foods: Culinary Argan Oil
Single-ingredient foods with no additives other than water, such as unsalted nuts, whole fruits, and brown rice, now automatically qualify to be labeled as “healthy”. Culinary Argan Oil is a single ingredient food: cold[pressed argania spinosa kernel oil.
This new approach better captures and helps us understand the overall nutrition quality of foods. For example, under the new rule stuff like eggs and salmon are now qualified to label themselves as healthy due to their key nutrients (as recommended as part of a balanced diet). Whereas, under the old criteria, they would not have been able to label themselves as healthy due to their cholesterol and fat content level.
Deadline set at February 25, 2028
Another key part of the implementation is education and support. The FDA has allowed a three-year compliance window, with the deadline set for February 25, 2028. However, manufacturers can begin using the updated claim as of April 28, 2025. So as of today, Culinary Argan Oil will start to show this healthy claim on our social media and website.
And soon also on our packaging, the moment when the FDA has chosen a HEALTHY seal. They are still working on the graphics of the seal.
FDA’s educational tools: infographics and fact sheets
The FDA will be providing educational tools including infographics, fact sheets, and social media content. A new “healthy” symbol is also in development, which will serve as a visual aid for consumers, particularly those less familiar with nutritional labeling or who speak English as a second language. Focus groups and experimental research are helping inform the design of this symbol.
The final seal is in the works.
Here are some of the seals the FDA is testing on it informative aspects:
Another step that is being taken to help American consumers find what is healthy is FDA partnering with companies such as Instacart to help shoppers through filters and a virtual storefront. By doing this, they are able to successfully use digital platforms as another method of supporting dietary decisions.
Finally, the FDA has reiterated multiple times in the information session its commitment to working with manufacturers and the public in order to ensure a smooth transition into using the new rules. The new definition of “healthy” is more than a labeling change—it’s a strategic effort to help Americans eat better and live healthier lives. By aligning food labeling with modern science, the FDA is creating a more transparent, informative system that benefits both consumers and the food industry alike.
What does it mean for Culinary Argan Oil?
For a long time, culinary argan oil has been valued and admired for its rich, nutty flavor that supports its abundant nutrient profile. But now, thanks to the FDA’s new policies on what constitutes “healthy”, we will proudly use our motto Tasty & Healthy. We meet the Healthy criteria!
Packed with a high content of unsaturated fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants, culinary argan oil aligns with modern nutritional science that emphasizes beneficial fat sources as part of a balanced diet. The new rule’s broader focus on whole food categories and nutrient quality offers an opportunity for products like culinary argan oil to be recognized for their health-supportive properties.
This shift is a step forward in helping consumers differentiate between types of fats and make more informed choices, especially as plant-based oils gain popularity in both home cooking and the commercial food industry.
One thing is for sure, we here at Culinary Argan Oil can’t wait for people to finally try our culinary argan oil without having to doubt whether it’s healthy or not, because thanks to the new ruling, we definitely know it is!
Sources:
For more information on this new ruling, check out the FDA website and read more at https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/use-healthy-claim-food-labeling. And visit the benefits and recipe section of this website to learn more about the countless benefits of incorporating culinary argan oil in your next meal.