The US Food and Drug Administration approved a request made by the Royal Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Corp. to use a health claim on their product labeling. We've long known that Macadamia Nuts are a healthy source of fat (due to it's beneficial omega-3/omega-6 ratio) but retailers have not been able to make specific health claims on their labeling due to FDA restrictions.
This recent ruling by the FDA gives us the OK to make labeling claims like "heart healthy" or "reduces the risk of coronary disease." Their official statement is:
“Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces per day of macadamia nuts, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and not resulting in increased intake of saturated fat or calories may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. See nutrition information for fat [and calorie] content.”
Now, this doesn't make a big difference to us, we know the nuts are healthy, and our customers know it too. It's not a part of our marketing to cite such specific health benefits because we take a much more holistic view of health and nutrition than the FDA or the AHA (American Heart Association) generally does. Nevertheless, it's good to have some science that supports what we've long known getting recognized.