An advisory committee for the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans released its recommendations on June 12th, giving interested parties 30 days to comment. The recommendations by the panel of nutrition and health experts include cutting calorie intake and increasing physical activity, shifting to a more plant-based diet and significantly reducing the consumption of foods containing added sugars and solid fats.

It emphasizes the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds and seafood as well as a recommendation to cut sodium intake gradually to 1,500 mg a day.

The panel recommends at least two-and-a-half hours of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, each week for adults and more for teens and children.

Among other food-related changes are improving nutrition literacy and cooking skills, more cooking of healthy foods in the home, increasing the availability of affordable fresh produce to consumers and encouraging foodservice establishments to menu more healthful items lower in sodium, sugar, refined grains and solid fats, and in smaller portion sizes.

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FM Agenda

JULY

SNA Annual National Conference
July 11-14
Dallas
www.schoolnutrition.org

Produce Marketing Assn Foodservice Conference/Expo
July 30-August 1
Monterey, CA
www.pma.com

AUGUST

ACF 2010 National Convention
August 2-5
Anaheim, CA
www.acfchefs.org/events

Association of Correctional Foodservice Affiiates (ACFSA) National Convention
August 22-26
San Diego, CA
www.acfsa.org

Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
August 14-16
Los Angeles, CA
www.westernfoodexpo.org