FDA Now Says Fresh Fruits, Vegetables Are Good For The Heart

Four years after the American Heart Association asked for a change in a rule governing health claims for raw fruits and vegetables, the FDA has expanded the rule saying those foods can claim to be good for the heart. Under the old rule, some fruits and vegetables couldn’t use the claim because they did not meet requirements for containing a minimum amount of certain nutrients or did not meet the definition of a “low fat” food. For example, grapes and plums do not contain enough vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, protein, or fiber. Avocados do not meet the requirement for “low fat.” The interim final rule – which does not apply to frozen or canned produce – allows raw fruits and vegetables to claim that they reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. [ Image credit: ©  ]