Food Pyramid is Ancient History

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on June 2 will unveil a new food icon that will replace the current MyPyramid image that has been the governments primary food group symbol since 2005. The new icon will serve as a reminder to help consumers make healthier food choices.

The New York Times reported the new icon will be a circular plate consisting of four colored sections for fruits, vegetables, grains and protein. Next to the plate will be a smaller circle for dairy, such as a glass of milk or a cup of yogurt.

The new food icon is the result of the 2010 White House Child Obesity Task Forces call for simple, actionable advice to equip consumers with information to help them make healthy food choices. The new food icon will be part of a comprehensive nutrition communication initiative that provides consumers with easy-to-understand recommendations, a new website with expanded information, and other tools and resources.

The new icon will help consumers adopt healthy eating habits consistent with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans that place stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption, increasing physical activity and choosing healthy foods, including more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and fat-free and low-fat dairy items while limiting sodium, saturated and trans fats, added sugars and refined grains.

USDA said MyPyramid will remain available to health professionals and nutrition educators in a special section of the new website.