Ever wonder where the Food Guide Pyramid comes from? Or how the government comes up with nutrition requirements for federal food and nutrition programs?They're both based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published every five years since 1980 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S.Department of Agriculture.

The latest round of guidelines, issued in May 2000, emphasize balance, moderation and variety in food choices (with a particular emphasis on grains, vegetables and fruits) and give examples of foods that deliver particular nutrients, including choices for vegetarians.

For the first time, the Dietary Guidelines also emphasize safe food handling to prevent illness, advising Americans to keep and prepare foods safely at home and to be alert when eating out. The 2000 Dietary Guidelines incorporate the four food-safety concepts used by the Fight BAC! food-safety education campaign:

- Clean: Keep preparation areas and utensils clean
- Cook: Cook food to a safe temperature
- Separate: Separate raw, cooked, and ready-to-eat foods
- Chill: Chill perishable foods promptly

Download a copy of the 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans through either the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.