06/02/06

Keystone Forum Report Offers Needed and Achievable Recommendations for Nutrition and Health, Says American Dietetic Association

FOR RELEASE JUNE 2, 2006

Media contacts:  Jennifer Starkey, Tom Ryan    
800/877-1600, ext. 4802, 4894  
e-mail: media@eatright.org

CHICAGO – The final report of the Keystone Forum on Away-From-Home Foods, “Opportunities for Preventing Weight Gain and Obesity,” released Friday, June 2, contains recommendations that should be adopted by consumers, the food industry and government alike, according to the American Dietetic Association.

“The Keystone Forum’s recommendations are necessary and achievable,” said registered dietitian and ADA President Judith A. Gilbride. “They underscore industry’s role in providing and marketing healthy options, government’s role in providing accurate and usable information, the individual’s role in selecting an overall healthy diet and the need for people to understand and apply reliable dietary knowledge to their food choices.”

The food and nutrition experts of ADA participated in the Keystone Forum, supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “ADA appreciated the opportunity to join in this important effort to bring diverse interests together to closely examine the science and the reality, not only the perceptions, about food eaten away from home,” Gilbride said.

“Consumers have countless food options and we value the freedom to make our own choices. However, that freedom implies people have the knowledge and skills to make informed choices. The food industry has the capacity to offer options more consistent with the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which will help consumers choose foods and drinks that contribute to a healthy diet.” Gilbride said.

“With a U.S. population that is both overfed and undernourished, we have an acute need for Americans to understand and apply sound knowledge, to embrace and adopt eating habits that maximize their nutritional needs and to engage in regular physical activity. While taking these steps is not necessarily easy, it can be done.

“Anyone wanting to evaluate their current diet and learn how to make the small changes over time that can pay big dividends for their health can turn to a registered dietitian – the most-qualified health professional when it comes to food and nutrition,” Gilbride said.

With approximately 65,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.


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