February 1/Washington -- The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The Dietary Guidelines will have important implications for federal policymakers, nutrition professionals, and the food industry over the next five years, as federal dietary guidance for the public is required to be consistent with the Dietary Guidelines. The overarching theme of the 2010 Guidelines is the need to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity. The new Dietary Guidelines encourage Americans to eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and seafood, and to consume less sodium, saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and refined grains. This memorandum provides an overview of the Guidelines.
Background Federal law requires the Secretaries of HHS and USDA to review, update if necessary, and publish the Dietary Guidelines for Americans at least every five years. The 2010 Guidelines are based on the Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 and consideration of federal agency and public comments. The Advisory Committee’s report was developed over the course of twenty months, during which the Committee held six public meetings. The Committee conducted a thorough review of the scientific literature in making its recommendations.