How Little Cholesterol Must a Food Have to Be Labeled as Healthy by the FDA?

When it comes to food labeling, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strict guidelines in place to ensure consumers are aware of the nutritional information in their meals. One of the criteria for labeling a food as “healthy” is cholesterol content. Many Americans should be mindful of their cholesterol intake, and so understanding how much cholesterol must be present in order for a food to be labeled as healthy is important.

In general, the FDA requires that a food must contain no more than 20 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per serving for it to be labeled as healthy. This number was determined based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which suggest that individuals should consume no more than 300 mg of cholesterol each day. The FDA also states that foods can only be labeled as “low-cholesterol” if they contain less than 5 mg per serving.

It is important to note that the 20 mg limit applies only to foods that contain fat. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains and non-fat dairy products do not require special labeling since they naturally contain no cholesterol at all. It is also important to note that some foods may meet the 20 mg limit but still not qualify as healthy due to their high fat or sugar content.

Conclusion:

When it comes to food labeling, the FDA requires that a food must contain no more than 20 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per serving for it to be labeled as healthy.

Foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains and non-fat dairy products do not require special labeling since they naturally contain no cholesterol at all.