Nutrition Policy in the 1990's

S cientific research increasingly confirms that a healthful diet reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases. Many groups, including the food industry, voluntary organizations (like the American Heart Association), and Federal and local government agencies, either independently or cooperatively, have stepped in to accelerate the trend toward healthful eating by promoting eating patterns that conform to Federal recommendations. These efforts have focused on providing nutrition information and education to persuade and guide Americans to consume more healthful diets, and/ or directly altering the nutrient content of foods or meals. Many Americans seem to have heard the message. High interest in nutrition during the 1990's prompted the food industry to step in with products and information to help Americans choose healthful foods. Evidence suggests that some Americans are changing their diets and moving closer to recommendations by nutritionists and other health professionals. However, changes vary considerably, both for individuals and food groups. For example, USDA food consumption surveys show that fat intake as a percentage of total calories has declined in the last decade-a move in the right direction. The same surveys, however, show that people are not increasing their consumption of fruits and vegetables as recommended, and that the number of obese Americans is rising.