FMI – The Food Industry Association has issued a statement welcoming the release of the updated U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide the federal government’s evidence-based recommendations on healthy eating to promote health, meet nutrient needs and help prevent chronic disease. Updated every five years by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, the guidelines serve as the foundation for federal nutrition policy, education efforts and food programs such as school meals and community feeding initiatives.
The most recent release emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods – including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins and dairy – while encouraging reduced consumption of added sugars and highly processed products. For grocers, these guidelines influence how retailers merchandise produce and nutrient-dense foods, shape nutrition education and marketing efforts, and inform product assortment decisions that align with evolving consumer interest in health and wellness.
Krystal Register, FMI VP of health and well-being and a registered dietitian nutritionist, said the guidelines provide science-based advice and daily recommendations on food groups and nutrients to encourage healthy and balanced eating patterns.
“FMI welcomes the release of the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans as they are intended to provide science-based advice and daily recommendations on food groups and nutrients to encourage and those to limit – all in an effort to support healthy and balanced eating patterns,” Register said. “Fortunately, every day, America’s food producers, manufacturers and retailers provide the choice and variety needed to accomplish this goal.”
Register noted that more consumers are seeking health solutions at the grocery store, and retailers are responding with an emphasis on personalized strategies to support individual health goals. She said the dietary guidelines present an opportunity to meet consumers where they are and lean into the expertise and guidance of registered dietitians across the industry.
FMI research has found that consumers are prioritizing healthy eating choices, though most believe there is room for improvement. Consumers view their primary food store as a partner in this effort, with 80 percent of shoppers saying their grocery stores do at least a good job supporting their health and well-being.
“The food industry will continue to support consumers with their personalized health goals by offering a wide variety of nutritious options,” Register said.
FMI works with and on behalf of the food industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply chain. The association brings together members across the value chain, from retailers that sell to consumers to producers that supply food and other products as well as companies providing critical services.