What Foods Should Americans Eat? Better Information Needed on Nutritional Quality of Foods.
Abstract
Americans have a growing desire to select foods that promote good health. The Government needs to adopt a set of nutrition principles and provide authoritative guidance on safe levels of intake for controversial dietary substances that have been associated with certain diseases. Changes in lifestyles, which make calorie consumption a concern, and changes in the food supply intensify the need for up-to-date and complete data on foods' nutrient composition. Attempts have been made to classify foods as 'nutritious', 'low nutritious', or 'junk' foods. However, no food in isolation from a total diet should be characterized as good or bad. It is the combination of foods which complement each other that forms the basis for a nutritious diet. A greater Federal effort is needed to help consumers determine what foods and diet are best for their health, and to help Government carry out its food programs consistently and effectively.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA083909
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office