Dietary Guidance & Food Labeling

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Key Messages

Overview of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are the nation’s dietary recommendations, serving as the foundation for federal nutrition education, food assistance programs, and many nutrition-related policies. ^[1] Updated every five years, the Guidelines are developed through a rigorous, transparent scientific process led by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS). As part of this process, an independent Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) reviews the scientific evidence and develops a Scientific Report, which USDA and HHS use, along with public comments and federal agency expertise, to develop and publish the official Dietary Guidelines for Americans.^[2]
Overview of Food & Nutrition Labeling: Federal food labeling requirements provide standardized, science-based information meant to help consumers understand what they are eating and build healthy dietary patterns. One of the most recognizable examples is the Nutrition Facts label, which is required on most packaged foods and beverages in the U.S. It was first introduced in 1994 after the passage of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of 1990 and then updated in 2016.^[3]
Development Process for Federal Dietary Guidance & Food Labeling: The Guidelines and federal food labeling regulations are developed through transparent, science-based processes designed to promote public trust. Throughout the Guidelines process, scientific questions are established publicly and addressed in the DGAC Scientific Report, DGAC meetings are open to the public, and public comment opportunities are provided throughout. Likewise, updates to federal food labeling requirements are developed through regulatory processes led by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA, with opportunities for public review and stakeholder input before new regulations are finalized.^[4]