In 2024 the FDA updated the definition of "healthy" for food packaging and proposed a small FDA healthy icon. The icon is still under review.
Researchers from Oregon State and Tufts ran an experiment in 2023 with 267 shoppers at six grocery stores in the Boston area. Participants looked at pictures of 15 real products; nine met the new FDA "healthy" standards and six did not.
People first saw products without labels and later saw the same items with either a generic healthy icon or the proposed FDA icon when a product qualified. The study found that labeled products were chosen more and that shoppers were willing to pay more for an FDA-labeled product.
Difficult words
- update — make a change to be more currentupdated
- propose — suggest something for approval or discussionproposed
- icon — small picture or symbol on a package
- experiment — a test to see what people do
- participant — a person who takes part in a studyParticipants
- qualify — meet the rules or conditions neededqualified
- label — a sign or tag on a productlabeled
- willing — ready to do or accept something
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you trust a small FDA healthy icon on a package? Why or why not?
- Have you ever chosen a product because of a label? Describe briefly.
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