The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are the cornerstone of Federal nutrition policy and nutrition education activities. Since 1980, the Guidelines have been jointly issued and updated every 5 years by the Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS). In1987, language in the Conference Report of the House Committee on Appropriations indicated that USDA, in conjunction with HHS, “Shall reestablish a Dietary Guidelines Advisory Group on a periodic basis and will review the scientific data relevant to nutritional guidance and make recommendations on appropriate changes to the Secretaries of the Departments of USDA and HHS.”

In 1988, the USDA and HHS Secretaries selected 9 nutrition scientists and physicians to serve on the 1990 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The Committee was responsible for reviewing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 1985 and determining if revision was warranted. The Committee concluded that some revision to the 2nd Edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 1985 was warranted, but that the seven guidelines remained sound and of major importance in choosing food for a healthful diet. Some changes to the Guidelines were proposed.


Publications

After a year of review and 3 meetings, the Committee submitted their final report to USDA and HHS: Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 1990.

In 1990, the Secretaries of USDA and HHS released a 27-page booklet entitled, Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which became the 3rd edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Last Modified: March 14, 2012 02:16 PM