AGRICULTURE'S PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY IN THE DIET/HEALTH ISSUE

Abstract

USDA has been involved in the study of food consumption, food quality and safety and the maintenance of a wholesome food supply almost from its inception. Today, concerns regarding high caloric intake, saturated fat and cholesterol and food labeling are heard all around us. Yet despite what the critics may say. Americans are the best-fed people in the world. Statistical evidence shows that the American population is now healthier than at any time in history. Public interest in the relationships between nutrition, diet and health is at an all-time high However few subjects are more controversial than those associated with diet and health These issues affect the economic political, social and cultural affairs of the nation and the world. Changes in food production and processing methods have been vital in providing an ample supply of reaonably priced food to American consumers. Changes in preferences of consumers and their perception of “good nutrition” has significantly influenced demand, prices, form and characteristics of food items. USDA leadership works jointly with the leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on many important projects concerning diet and health. A notable example was the publication of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in 1980 and now its revision in 1985. This and other policy issues have wide implications for the role of meat in diet and health. The USDA policy on food and nutrition was stated in Secretary's Memorandum 1020, signed by Secretary Block in May 1985: “It is the policy of USDA to promote optimal human health and well-being through improved nutrition The Department recognizes the importance of coordination of its human nutrition-related activities with the agricultural food industry other governmental agencies and private or public institution.” Some of USDA's important nutrition- and health-related activities are: The study entitled, “The Protein Nutritional Quality of Meat and Poultry Products: Scientific Basis for Regulation.” Three ARS workshops: – Plant Production Research Workshop. Ithaca. New York. March 6–8, 1985; – Animal Production Research Workshop. Beltsville, Maryland; April 11–12. 1985; – Postharvest Research Workshop, Lafayette. Indiana; May 8–9. 1985. Three national symposia-workshops on diet/health scheduled for the fall of 1985 at the University of California-Davis', the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and the University of Delaware. The forthcoming NAS/NRC Board on Agriculture study entitled, “Technological Options for Nutritional Improvements in Meat and Animal Products.”