Proposed Dietary Guidelines Call for Less Fats, More Exercise

Food & Drink Weekly, Feb 7, 2000

Coming as not much of surprise, USDA last week proposed new dietary guidelines that encouraged Americans to enjoy foods, but cut fats and be more active. The guidelines, developed by a panel of 11 nutrition experts, do not make any major changes in current recommendations. But, for the first time, they include special sections on whole grains, food safety and expanded advice on weight control. Revised every five years, the guidelines are subject to a public comment period and a public hearing to solicit additional input. School lunch programs and other federally funded nutrition programs are required to follow the recommendations, which also are used widely by professionals and dietitians in advising consumers.

Groups representing vegetarians and racial minorities say the advisory committee that wrote the revision is biased toward the meat and dairy industries. The groups filed suit to block the government from using the guidelines but a judge refused last week to block the committee's work from being released. Along with more emphasis on controlling weight, the guidelines for the first time would tell Americans to "keep food safe to eat" Careful handling of food has gained prominence to prevent outbreaks of foodborne illness.

The Food Guide Pyramid, unveiled a decade ago, counsels Americans to make grains, fruits and vegetables the foundation of their diet -- an area of concern for some in the meat industry. Meanwhile, late last month, a federal judge rejected a motion requesting a temporary restraining order to prevent the release of a report by the 11-member advisory panel established to revise the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. (See F&DW Jan. 24.) The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine had filed suit, arguing that the committee was unfairly biased toward the meat and dairy industries and also making allegations of racial bias. Noting that the committee's proposed revision was unlikely to include any major changes, the judge said there would be no "irreparable injury" in allowing it to be released.