F&N 1-1
03/04
Revisions to the
Food Guide Pyramid
Prepared by:
Janice Hermann,
Ph.D., R.D./L.D.
Nutrition
Education Specialist
104 HES/NSCI (room
321)
Cooperative
Extension Service
Stillwater, OK
74078-6111
(405)
744-6824
Source:
http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/
IMPLICATIONS
FOR COOPERATIVE EXTENSION.
USDA is
reassessing the Food Guide Pyramid. The proposed changes to the
food pattern is evolutionary, building on the solid framework of
the existing Pyramid and bringing it up to date with the latest
national nutrition standards. The following is an update on the
process of the Food Guide Pyramid revisions.
REVISING THE FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID
USDA is
reassessing the Food Guide Pyramid, which was originally developed
in 1992 to help Americans implement the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans, to ensure that it continues to be based on the most
current sound and comprehensive science to help Americans make
better food choices. Proposed changes to the food patterns are
evolutionary, building on the solid framework of the existing
Pyramid and brining it up to date with the latest national
nutrition standards.
The
proposed daily food intake patterns have been updated to meet new
nutritional standards, including the National Academy of Sciences’
Institute of Medicine Dietary Reference Intakes for vitamins,
minerals and macronutrients released between 1997 and 2002. The
update of the Pyramid is being coordinated with the 2005 Dietary
Guidelines Advisory Committee as they review the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans and recommend revisions to USDA and the
Department of Health and Human Services.
The Food
Guide Pyramid reassessment and updating process has three phases:
(1) gathering information through technical research, professional
and public input, and consumer research; (2) updating of the
Pyramid’s daily food intake patterns to meet current nutritional
standards; and (3) developing new graphic and educational
materials that communicate Pyramid messages in ways consumers can
more easily understand and put into practice.
USDA plans
to post a proposed updated food guide graphic in the Federal
Register for public comment in 2004. Final release of the updated
Food Guide Pyramid and related consumer materials is scheduled for
early 2005. For more information on the Pyramid, visit USDA’s
website at www.cnpp.usda.gov
HISTORY OF FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID
The Food
Guide Pyramid was originally released in 1992. USDA has provided
food guidance to the American public for over 100 years, and the
Pyramid is the current graphic representation of this guidance.
The Pyramid’s scientific underpinning incorporated three key
elements – recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans, recommended levels of nutrient intake as expressed in
the Recommended Dietary Allowances published by the National
Academy of Sciences, and actual food consumption patterns of
Americans as documented in USDA food consumption surveys. The
Pyramid’s graphical presentation is developed to communicate key
messages to consumers, and multiple presentations were tested with
consumers prior to release to identify which graphical image
communicated these messages most effectively.
PURPOSE OF FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID
The Food
Guide Pyramid is an educational tool to help Americans select
healthful diets. The Pyramid meets the needs of healthy individuals
over 2 years of age for nutrients (such as vitamins and minerals)
without too much fat, cholesterol, sugar and sodium. The Pyramid may
not meet the needs of those with specific health concerns, since it
is designed for healthy individuals over 2 years of age. Consumers
with specific needs should consult with a medical professional. The
Pyramid translates nutrition recommendations – the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans and the Dietary Reference Intakes into the
kinds and amounts of food to eat each day.
REASON FOR REVISIONS
The current
reassessment and update of the Pyramid was undertaken to assure that
the Pyramid’s daily food intake patterns (what and how much to eat)
continue to meet current nutritional standards and that consumers
can understand and apply its messages.
PHASES OF FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID REVISION
The Food
Guide Pyramid reassessment and updating process includes three
phases. The first phase consists of gathering information through
technical research, professional input, and consumer research. The
second phase involves updating of the Pyramid food guidance
recommendations, and the third involves developing new or revised
graphic and educational materials.
ANTICIPATED CHANGES
USDA reports
that it is too early to know what changes will be made in the
Pyramid recommendations or graphic presentation. USDA is continuing
to gather information from stakeholders and consumers, and
completing the technical research phase of the reassessment.
Work on the
graphic presentation of the Pyramid and consumer materials will be
initiated when the food intake patterns have been finalized.
The final
Pyramid will reflect the Dietary Reference Intake reports and the
new 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans when they become
available, ensuring that all Federal dietary guidance remains
consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
ANTICIPATED RELEASE
USDA plans to
post a proposed updated food guide graphic in the Federal Register
for public comment in 2004. Release of the update Food Guide Pyramid
with actionable, consumer friendly materials is targeted for early
2005.
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