By George Anderson
Straight from the studio in this columnist's mind: Jeopardy, starring Alex Trebeck.
Contestant: "Alex, I'll take the new food pyramid for $200."
Trebeck: "The answer is 73 percent."
Contestant (hits buzzer): What is the percentage of Americans who have practically no clue about the nutritional guidelines contained in the new food pyramid.
Trebeck: "Judges? Correct. We were looking for those who didn't have a 'good' knowledge but 'no clue' works also.
According to a survey conducted by the California Olive Industry, the average consumer not working in the food industry is aware of the USDA's new food pyramid, but knows little about it.
Seventy-five percent of respondents said they were aware of the guidelines but only 27 percent would classify their knowledge as "good". The numbers of those having a handle on the new guidelines was less among "home cooks" (20 percent) compared to "nutritionists" (72 percent).
Not surprisingly, considering the lack of knowledge, most (66 percent) responding to the survey indicated they have made no dietary changes as a result of the new guidelines.
Moderator's Comment: A report by USAgNet says, "The guidelines have a stated objective to encourage people to reduce calorie consumption and to increase exercise." Will this ultimately be achieved? Do you have concerns about how the message is being received by ordinary Americans? What will this mean for companies in the business of making/selling food? - George Anderson - Moderator