Monroe, New Hampshire-based Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs applauds the proposal by the Food and Drug Administration to update the definition for the implied nutrient content claim “healthy” to be consistent with current nutrition science and federal dietary guidance.
For Pete and Gerry’s, this is a long-sought clarification as eggs will be classified as a “nutrient-dense” food, which, under the Dietary Guidelines, 2020-25, is defined as foods and beverages that provide vitamins, minerals and other health-promoting components and have little added sugars, saturated fat and sodium.
Previous federal guidance prohibited the use of the word “healthy” to describe and label eggs, leading to confusion amongst consumers, despite the nutrition community’s wide recognition that eggs are a near-perfect whole food.
One large egg has 13 essential vitamins and minerals, disease-fighting and brain-boosting nutrients such as lutein and choline and six grams of high-quality protein with 70 calories. Eggs are known to help curb cravings and naturally manage blood sugar levels, both important for weight management and diabetes prevention.
In 2018, Pete and Gerry’s filed a petition with the FDA calling for the organization to modify its labeling regulations and allow eggs to be labeled as a healthy food.
“We are thrilled at this news,” said Libby Schwab, Pete and Gerry’s director of marketing. “It’s been a long time coming for eggs, and we hope these updated guidelines will provide much-needed clarity and direction for consumers as they look to fill their carts with nutritious food each week.”
As a Certified Humane and Certified B-Corp egg producer, Pete and Gerry’s supports the humane treatment of animals, small family farms and its consumers as they seek the best egg option.
The Pete and Gerry’s family has been raising chickens for three generations and is striving to bring consumers organic, free range and pasture-raised eggs through its brands, including Pete and Gerry’s Organic, Nellie’s Free Range and Consider Pastures.
To learn more, visit peteandgerrys.com.
