USDA to unveil new food icon

WASHINGTON, May 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture says a new replacement for the Food Pyramid will be unveiled as part of a "monumental effort" to improve America's health.

A new version of the icon will have its debut June 2 because the old pyramid really does not capture the public's attention anymore, Robert C. Post, deputy director of the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, told WebMD.

"Consumers can look forward to a new, simple, easy-to-understand cue to prompt healthy choices," Post said. "You will get this monumental effort across all agencies as well as the private sector.

"A partnership with the goal of improving the health of all Americans."

The release of the new icon marks the launch of a massive effort to promote the USDA/Human Health Services dietary guidelines announced in January, WebMD reported Friday.

The old diet plan involved telling Americans what they should eat and then hoping for the best, Post said, while the new plan is vastly more active with the goal of reaching people at home, school, work and play -- and especially at supermarkets and restaurants.

"What we learned is it is not just giving information, it is a matter of making people understand there are options and practical ways to apply this to their lifestyle," Post said. "There will be a 'how-to' that will resonate with individuals.

"That is the behavioral part that is needed. We need to transcend information -- 'here's what the science says' -- and give people the tools and the opportunities to take action."