What’s Hot: FDA updates rules for “healthy” food labels
On December 19, the FDA announced a final rule on what foods can, and can’t, claim to be “healthy” on labels and packaging, updating the guidelines for the first time in 30 years. Notably, the rule will set limits on the amount of added sugar, sodium, and saturated fats for foods making a “healthy” claim on their labeling and advertising. This new ruling will also now allow nuts, seeds, and higher-fat fish like salmon to be labeled “healthy.”
In their press release for the final rule, the FDA specifically cites consumer education as a way to mitigate diet-related chronic diseases, including type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, that are among the leading causes of death in the United States, especially in communities of color.
As a related project, the FDA is also exploring the use of a to-be-developed symbol designating healthy food claims. New York City has long-required food businesses to designate high-sodium foods, and has recently also stipulated warnings for foods high in sugar, to help consumers decide whether to avoid them. A similar designation for healthy foods nationwide could prove
Fact Check: SNAP payments and government shutdowns
With Congress coming to a deal to narrowly avoid a government shutdown, SNAP and WIC beneficiaries had cause for concern over the arrival of monthly benefits. Contingency planning, however, has historically guaranteed the arrival of these benefits for at least 30 days after a shutdown.
The impact of a shutdown on SNAP beneficiaries, however, should not be understated. For example, during the 34 day shutdown in December 2018 and January 2019, stores usually authorized to accept EBT cards were not able to renew their licenses, resulting in fewer places for SNAP beneficiaries to shop.
This unprecedented interruption in government services also entailed a modified schedule, wherein SNAP participants received their benefits for February 2019 in late January instead, after weeks of uncertainty over whether the payments would arrive at all. Indeed, if the shutdown had continued, there was no plan in place for the payment of March 2019 benefits. This disruption shook public trust in government and proved difficult for beneficiaries to manage, given how tightly most households budget their food expenses.
Food Policy Watchdog: Farm Bill extended for one year
On December 21, Congress agreed to a one-year extension to the 2018 Farm Bill in wake of the current bill’s expiration this past October, providing $30 billion dollars in economic relief for farmers as well as continued funding for some, but not all, environmental conservation programs.
All Safety Net and Price Support Programs, including the Dairy Indemnity Payment and the Dairy Margin Coverage Program, which supports dairy producers against market volatility, and Loan Deficiency Payments for producers of commodities such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, currently remain unfunded.
While the passage of an extension is ultimately good news, Congress will need to pass a complete Farm Bill in 2025 to fully fund the programs farmers rely on to feed the nation.
Quote of the Month
“Diet-related chronic diseases in the U.S. are the leading causes of death and disability and many of these chronic diseases are experienced at higher rates by certain racial and ethnic minority groups and those with lower socioeconomic status, compared to the overall average … Providing informative and accessible food labeling empowers consumers and may help foster a healthier food supply for all if some manufacturers voluntarily reformulate food products to meet the updated criteria.” — US Food and Drug Administration
