The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that eggs meet the agency's newly updated definition of "healthy.”
The FDA created the new definition using current nutrition science and federal dietary guidelines, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Additionally, the definition determines when the claim “healthy” can be used as an implied nutrient content on food labels.
With the updated definition, the FDA aims to promote healthy eating habits in the U.S. and help consumers meet their nutritional needs. Additionally, the FDA hopes to continue to build consumer trust by ensuring that food labels and claims are accurate and not misleading.
"This news makes eggs a clear healthy choice, vindicating them from outdated science," stated American Egg Board (AEB) Director of Nutrition Research Jen Houchins, PhD, RD. "The FDA announcement reaffirms the egg's role in supporting the health of American families, with nutritional benefits for everyone. Eggs offer a good source of high-quality protein and contribute nutrients to the diet that Americans don't get enough of, like vitamin D and choline."
According to the AEB, cholesterol in eggs does not negatively impact the body's cholesterol levels, like previously thought. Additionally, organizations such as the American Heart Association promote eggs as part of a heart-healthy diet for healthy adults.
"We applaud the FDA for this important update, which reflects decades of research and unequivocally affirms the value of eggs for healthy living," stated AEB President and CEO Emily Metz. "Eggs are accessible in the refrigerator of nearly every U.S. household. Whether you're scrambling them for breakfast, grabbing them hardboiled for a quick lunch on the go, or enjoying some egg-and-veggie fried rice at dinner, Americans now know for certain that eggs are one of the healthiest foods for your family."
