MILAN – Coffee scores a major new point in its favour in the U.S.: for the first time in history, the FDA has formally included coffee in its definition of a ‘healthy’ food. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA or US FDA) is a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services. It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of food safety.
On December 27, 2024, FDA redefined the use of “Healthy as a nutrient content claim” amending Food Labeling 21 CFR Part 101. According to the new regulation, water, tea, and coffee with less than 5 calories per serving automatically qualifies as ‘‘healthy’.’
This rule is effective February 25, 2025 and the compliance date of this final rule is February 25, 2028.
“At a time when consumers – especially younger consumers – are increasingly health-conscious, this designation has the potential to drive consumption, and put to final rest previous misguided efforts to portray coffee as unhealthy,” William Murray, President & CEO of the National Coffee Association of USA said in a statement.
“Following the NCA’s submission of detailed scientific evidence demonstrating coffee’s unique associations with positive health outcomes, FDA’s new definition specifically includes coffee among foods that qualify to be voluntarily labeled as “healthy.” The FDA also referred to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in reaching this decision, a process in which NCA has been active.
This is an historic milestone – barely ten years ago, the State of California, in a misguided assessment of coffee, maintained that it was potentially harmful – when extensive independent science says just the opposite. It has been a long journey, but science has prevailed. We’ve invested heavily in compiling and presenting research – independent research – showing that the weight of scientific evidence about coffee and health is clear – and favorable.
Today’s announcement is but the first step of the next stage – there are many questions about what this means for coffee companies, and we’ll be working to provide answers – we strongly suggest that you do not rush to put “healthy” on your coffee products until we have further information.”
In the meantime, NCA members should see today’s member exclusive “Member Alert” (sent 12/20/24 at 4:37pm Eastern) for further details about imminent questions, and NCA’s next steps.
The FDA announcement is available at this link: https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-finalizes-updated-healthy-nutrient-content-claim?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
