HHS and USDA Release New Report on Dietary Guidelines

The US Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) released the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans report on August 27. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to provide written comments by September 27.

The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee included NAASO Members Janet King, PhD, RD, Chair; Benjamin Caballero, MD, PhD; Vay Liang W. Go, MD; Russell R. Pate, PhD; F. Xavier Pi-Sunyer, MD, MPH.

The Advisory Committee’s extensive discussion and review yielded nine major messages:

• Consume a variety of foods within and among the basic food groups while staying within energy needs.
• Control calorie intake to manage body weight.
• Be physically active every day.
• Increase daily intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat or low-fat milk and milk products.
• Choose fats wisely for good health.
• Choose carbohydrates wisely for good health.
• Choose and prepare foods with little salt.
• If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.
• Keep food safe to eat.

The Dietary Guidelines are reviewed and updated by HHS and USDA every five years. The 6th edition is expected to be published in January 2005.

NAASO urges all Members to review this important report and respond with expert commentary.

To access the Full Report: : http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/report/

Read the HHS Press Release for instructions on submitting comments: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2004pres/20040827.html