For the first time in 30 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its definition of “healthy” food.

The new guidelines, announced Thursday, prioritize nutrient-rich options like eggs, salmon, avocados, and nuts while removing items such as white bread from the list.

This significant change comes in response to the escalating health crisis caused by poor dietary habits.

Diet-related illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, are now the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. Experts have warned that urgent action is needed to address these trends, which contribute to America’s life expectancy being the lowest among wealthy nations.

A New Symbol to Guide Healthier Choices

To simplify healthier eating, the FDA is working on a new symbol to identify foods meeting the updated “healthy” criteria.

This symbol aims to help shoppers, especially those unfamiliar with detailed nutrition labels, make informed decisions at a glance. The FDA has not yet announced when this symbol will be introduced.

“Diet-related diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are the leading causes of disability and death in the United States,” said Jim Jones, a senior FDA official.

“The updated ‘healthy’ label ensures consumers access more accurate and up-to-date nutrition information.”

Updated Standards for “Healthy” Foods

Under the new rules, foods labeled as “healthy” must include meaningful amounts of key food groups recommended in FDA dietary guidelines, such as vegetables, proteins, dairy, and whole grains.

These foods must also strictly limit saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.

The updated criteria reflect a shift in how fats are assessed. Unlike the 1990s focus on reducing all fats, the current guidelines distinguish between.