Healthy INSIDER Podcast 31: Defining 'Healthy' in America

FDA seeks to update the way the term “healthy” is used on the labels of foods sold in the United States, as explained in an enforcement guidance document released in September 2016. In this guidance, FDA expanded the list of nutrients that can be included in “healthy,” which were originally outlined in 1993. In addition, FDA updated its thinking on the health effects of certain types of fat. In this podcast, Ivan Wasserman, partner, Amin Talati Upadhye, and Sandy Almendarez, editor in chief, INSIDER, discuss FDA’s action on the word “healthy.”

FDA seeks to update the way the term “healthy” is used on the labels of foods sold in the United States, as explained in an enforcement guidance document released in September 2016. In this guidance, FDA expanded the list of nutrients that can be included in “healthy,” which were originally outlined in 1993. In addition, FDA updated its thinking on the health effects of certain types of fat. In this podcast, Ivan Wasserman, partner, Amin Talati Upadhye, and Sandy Almendarez, editor in chief, INSIDER, discuss FDA’s action on the word “healthy,” including:

  • FDA’s movements against KIND LLC using the word “healthy” on its labelling, and the argument the bar brand made that allowed it to keep the term on its packaging.

  • The definition of nutrient-content claims and how “low carb” claims are technically misbranded.

  • FDA’s traditional thinking of the term “healthy,” which determined it could only be used for products that contained certain nutrients and didn’t contain excess levels of other ingredients.

The shift of FDA’s thinking on what is beneficial for human health, and how the agency is better aligning its practices with the way consumers view their wellness.

Links and resources:

This podcast was recorded at the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) annual conference in October 2016, and INSIDER apologized for the poor audio quality.

*BONUS* stay to the end of the podcast to hear a surprise song in line with the CRN Conference karaoke tradition.  

Got feedback? Email Almendarez at [email protected], or tweet to @NatProdINSIDER using the hashtag #INSIDERPodcast.

About the Authors

Sandy Almendarez

VP of Content, Informa

Summary

• Well-known subject matter expert within the health & nutrition industry with more than 15 years’ experience reporting on natural products.

• She cares a lot about how healthy products are made, where their ingredients are sourced and how they affect human health.

• She knows that it’s the people behind the businesses — their motivations, feelings and emotions — drive industry growth, so that’s where she looks for content opportunities.

Sandy Almendarez is VP of Content for SupplySide and an award-winning journalist. She oversees the editorial and content marketing teams for the B2B media brands SupplySide Supplement Journal and SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal, the education programming for the health and nutrition trade shows SupplySide Connect New Jersey and SupplySide West, the education program SupplySide Fresh for industry newcomers and community engagement across the SupplySide portfolio. She is a seasoned content strategist with a passion for health, good nutrition, sustainability and inclusion. With over 15 years of experience in the health and nutrition industry, Sandy brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as a content-focused business leader. With specialization in topics ranging from product development to content engagement, creative marketing and c-suite decision making, her work is known for its engaging style and its relevance for business leaders in the health and nutrition industry.

In her free time, Sandy loves running, drinking hot tea and watching her two kids grow up. She brews her own “Sandbucha” homemade kombucha; she’s happy to share if you’re ever in Phoenix!

Awards:

Speaker credentials

Resides in

  • Phoenix, AZ

Education

  • Arizona State University

Contact:

Ivan Wasserman

Partner, Amin Talati Upadhye

Ivan Wasserman is one of the nation’s premier attorneys for health, wellness, beauty and other consumer products. Companies of all sizes making, marketing and selling food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, over-the-counter drugs and medical devices praise the depth of his knowledge and experience, his humor and his ability to maintain the human perspective while leading them through this heavily regulated landscape. Frequently cited by the media as a legal authority, Ivan helps his clients launch products and create and execute advertising campaigns that match the clinical evidence they have for their products, paying close attention to the changing rules governing internet marketing, consumer testimonials and social media.

Ivan advocates for clients subject to the often overlapping jurisdictions of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission,  and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.   When advertising disputes arise, he regularly represents companies before the National Advertising Division (NAD) and the Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP). He has been included in Best Lawyers in America from 2007 – 2017.

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