A report released by a U.S. advisory panel last month outlines recommendations that could be the foundation for new federal dietary guidelines and revisions to the U.S. Department of Agriculture鈥檚 鈥渇ood pyramid,鈥� which is used to guide the school lunch program.
The 13-member committee, which focused on the scientific underpinnings of nutrition, recommended that changes to the guidelines include an increase in the intake of fruits and vegetables, a greater emphasis on physical exercise, moderation of calorie intake, and a reduction in the use of salts, fats, and alcohol.
A 30-day public-comment period on the recommendations will end on Sept. 27, Bill Pierce, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said last week. 鈥淥ur concern is to take what we know about diet and nutrition and communicate [that knowledge] to the public,鈥� he said.
The new dietary guidelines are expected to be released in January.
