Eggs are a staple in many kitchens, and they may soon be named a “healthy food” under a new proposed definition from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

For the first time since 1994, the FDA is updating its definition of “healthy” foods to align with current science and nutrition guidelines. In the proposed definition, the FDA states eggs “provide important nutrients, and are specifically recommended by the Dietary Guidelines, 2020-2025, for inclusion in a healthy dietary pattern.”

According to the FDA, the healthy claim can serve as a quick identifier on food package labels to guide consumers on which foods will help them build healthy eating habits.

Hobey Bauhan, a member of the Virginia Egg Board and president of the Virginia Poultry Federation, notes that egg consumption has increased 15 percent over the past 20 years.

Additionally, the proposed FDA definition removes the limit on dietary cholesterol—something that had many “on the fence” about eating eggs, said Ma...