October 22, 2003 - Nutrition Guidelines to Get Spruced Up

Suggested Lead:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently working to updated nutrition guidance it has provided to Americans for many, many years.  According to Leah Wilkinson, associate director for food policy at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, guidance recently is tied to the Food Guide Pyramid – which is not related to the Dietary Guidelines. 

Cut #1    :23       Outcue: "...current Food Guide Pyramid."

Wilkinson says that like other ongoing recommendations, the pyramid has become much more open to U.S. consumers and industry groups.

Cut #2    :29       Outcue: "...submit to the process."

According to Wilkinson, the Dietary Guidelines, which are a cooperative effort between the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services, is also on a similar timetable.  Those working on the Food Guide Pyramid will encourage input from many groups.

Cut #3    :24       Outcue: "...as well as the Guidelines."

Wilkinson says NCBA will make sure those helping determine what foods and diets are recommended to Americans recognize the valuable bundle of nutrients that are supplied by beef.