Spring 2025 Nutrition Notes

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A Message from our Executive Director

Heart Health Month is acknowledged every February, but here at the Center for Nutrition & Health Impact, we promote how the power of nutrition shapes our well-being every day. Our staff works tirelessly to share the importance of clear, evidence-based guidance and lead research efforts that can help people make informed healthy choices about their diet and physical activity.

Recently, American public health officials took a significant step forward by issuing a final rule that is pending review on what foods can be labeled as “healthy.” To meet the updated criteria for the “healthy” nutrient content claim, food products must now:

Contain a certain amount of food from at least one of the food groups or subgroups, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy and protein foods, and meet specific limits for added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.

This resonates well with our work at CNHI, where we are dedicated to improving nutrition security and promoting healthy eating. The effort to align food labeling with current nutrition science and Federal dietary guidance is a positive step forward for heart health and much more.

By emphasizing nutrient density and prioritizing healthful foods, the FDA final rule on “healthy” reflects the latest nutrition science and empower consumers with tools to make more informed choices for their heart health. Conflicting opinions about what constitutes a nutritious diet and misleading marketing claims can make it challenging to identify which foods are truly “healthy.” Clear labeling helps guide healthier food choices and has the potential to positively impact heart health across the country.

I encourage everyone to use these important resources to help make educated decisions that can serve as a roadmap for healthier living. Whether you’re shopping for your family, planning meals or advocating for change in your community, remember that every choice adds up. By aligning our actions with science-backed guidance, we can create a ripple effect of positive change—for ourselves, our loved ones, and future generations.