DIETARY GUIDELINES

FOR AMERICANS

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans has been published jointly every 5 years since 1980 by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Guidelines provide authoritative advice for people two years and older about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases. They serve as the basis for Federal food and nutrition education programs.

Originally published by the Department of Health and Human Services