USDA CALLS FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS ON TECHNICAL SUPPORT DATA FOR FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID

public comments on proposed revisions to the daily food intake patterns that serve as the technical basis for the Food Guide Pyramid. “The Food Guide Pyramid is an educational tool to help Americans choose a healthy diet, ” said Veneman. “Public comment regarding the scientific data and the interpretation of that data is critical at this stage of the process.” 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 bringing 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 th