Eggs added to FDA's updated healthy claim food list

(NewsNation) — Eggs are now considered healthy under new guidance released recently by the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA included eggs under its updated healthy claim definition, which the federal agency said reflects current nutrition science and dietary guidance.

Under the new definition, eggs fit into the FDA’s healthy classification that requires foods to contain a minimum number of individual nutrients. Current dietary guidance recommends Americans build healthy eating patterns that include a variety of vegetables, fruits, dairy, proteins and whole grains.

Other foods that qualify for the FDA’s healthy guidelines include fresh whole fruits and vegetables, salmon, trail mix with nuts and dried fruits, and plain low-fat or fat-free yogurt.

States like Colorado will enact a new law beginning on Jan. 1 requiring stores to only sell cage-free eggs. NewsNation affiliate KDVR reported about 40% of eggs produced in the United States are cage-free.

“This news makes eggs a clear healthy choice, vindicating them from outdated science, Jen Houchins, director of nutrition research for the American Egg Board's Egg Nutrition Center, said in a statement released by the FDA. "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.”

The health values of eggs have long been considered high in cholesterol and therefore, a risk to Americans’ health. However, research conducted by the FDA indicates that the cholesterol level in eggs does not negatively affect the body’s cholesterol levels as once believed.

Organizations like the American Heart Association have added eggs to their heart-friendly list of foods.

“We applaud the FDA for this important update, which reflects decades of research and unequivocally affirms the value of eggs for healthy living," Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, said in a statement.

"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."

Topics

FDA issues highest-level recall for Costco eggs over salmonella risk

The FDA has raised the level of a Costco egg recall, warning of the risk of severe illness or death due to potential salmonella contamination. Over 10,000 cartons of Kirkland brand organic eggs ...
CBS News - 9m
FDA raises recall alert to highest level on Costco eggs over risk of severe illness or death

Federal food regulators raised their alarm for recalled eggs sold from Costco stores over possible salmonella exposure, reclassifying the targeted product to their highest risk level.
NBC News - 20h
‘I Don’t Digest Food Properly Now’: The Pressure of Managing a Soccer Team

Premier League managers have a hard time switching off. Some struggled to describe how they relax.
The New York Times - 21h
Deli Owners Still Reeling From Recent Food Recalls

Sales of cold-cut sandwiches are slowly climbing but still haven’t reached pre-recall numbers.
Inc. - 23h
From vaccines to votes: Russian ad agency influences Europeans

AdNow was implicated in misinformation campaigns in France, Germany and Romania
Financial Times - 1d
Coke, PepsiCo Lobby to Keep Sugary Sodas in Food-Stamp Program

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee to lead HHS, wants to make sugary drinks ineligible for SNAP benefits.
The Wall Street Journal - 2d
After adding Buehler, Red Sox's contender case is coming into focus

The addition of Walker Buehler further rebuilt Boston's rotation this winter, but it could still use a right-handed bat.
Yahoo Sports - 17h
Texans claim veteran WR Johnson off waivers

The Texans claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers Monday.
ESPN - 19h
Expert tips to support your immune system and stay healthy this winter

With flu levels rising, Dr. Rabia De Latour shares ways to support your immune system and stay healthy during the holidays.
CBS News - 22h