Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- federal /FED-er-uhl/
- dietary /DAHY-i-ter-ee/
- chronic /KRON-ik/
- saturated /SACH-uh-rey-tid/
- exclude /ik-SKLOOD/
[adjective] – relating to the central government of a country
The federal government passed new laws to improve healthcare.
[adjective] – relating to the diet or the food that a person or group eats
The dietary habits of the population have changed over the years.
[adjective] – (of a disease or condition) persisting for a long time or constantly recurring
He suffers from chronic back pain.
[adjective] – containing the highest possible amount of a substance, especially fat or oil
Saturated fats are often found in processed foods.
[verb] – to intentionally leave something or someone out
The policy will exclude anyone who doesn’t meet the age requirement.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
New regulations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) require packaged foods to meet specific criteria in order to be labeled as “healthy.” The update, announced on December 19, 2024, revises the FDA’s definition of “healthy” that was first introduced 30 years ago. The change aims to help consumers make better choices at the grocery store by aligning food labels with federal dietary guidelines. The goal is to reduce the growing rates of diet-related chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Under the new rule, foods must include a certain amount of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, or protein and limit added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat. This update affects a wide range of foods, including sugary cereals and highly sweetened yogurts, which can no longer use the “healthy” label.
The new rule is set to take effect in two months, and food manufacturers will have until February 2028 to comply. This change is based on more recent scientific research and acknowledges that dietary knowledge has evolved over the past few decades. Experts, including Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, have praised the update, calling it a significant improvement over outdated guidelines. However, some industry groups, like the Consumer Brands Association, have expressed concerns. They argue that the new regulations may exclude some healthier food options and may have unintended economic consequences for consumers. Despite these concerns, the FDA believes the new rule will promote better health outcomes for the public, as more than 75% of Americans have diets that are low in essential nutrients and high in harmful ingredients.
The new rule is set to take effect in two months, and food manufacturers will have until February 2028 to comply. This change is based on more recent scientific research and acknowledges that dietary knowledge has evolved over the past few decades. Experts, including Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, have praised the update, calling it a significant improvement over outdated guidelines. However, some industry groups, like the Consumer Brands Association, have expressed concerns. They argue that the new regulations may exclude some healthier food options and may have unintended economic consequences for consumers. Despite these concerns, the FDA believes the new rule will promote better health outcomes for the public, as more than 75% of Americans have diets that are low in essential nutrients and high in harmful ingredients.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever looked at food labels before buying something at the store? If yes, what kind of information do you usually look for? If not, what factors do you consider when choosing food instead?
- Have you ever noticed a difference in the nutrition of foods labeled as “healthy”? If yes, what was the difference? If not, do you think food labels are helpful when choosing healthy options? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that the new FDA rules will help people make healthier choices at the grocery store?
- Do you think food labels should show how much sugar, fat, or salt is in the food? Why or why not?
- How can food manufacturers change their products to meet the new FDA rules without losing customers?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- acknowledge
- administration
- guideline
- outcome
- take effect