By George Anderson
Fact: The pubic relations agency, Porter Novelli, was hired by the Agriculture Department to design an icon to help consumers better understand the federal government's new nutritional guidelines. The firm previously designed the food pyramid for the USDA.
Fact: Other clients of Porter Novelli include national food brands and restaurants.
Fact: Some are concerned that on a subtle level at least, Porter Novelli will influence the final icon design to the advantage of the clients it represents.
Fact: The government and Porter Novelli say fact those concerns are not warranted. The firm's job is to graphically depict the government's recommendations — not set the policy.
Moderator's Comment: Are the concerns expressed about Porter Novelli's involvement in creating a new icon for federal nutrition guidelines valid? What other thoughts do you have on the government's system for developing guidelines of the conclusions it reaches? - George Anderson - Moderator