OMB targets trans fatty acids

The White House is pushing for a significant revision in the government's dietary guidelines—a move that could have long-term implications for federal feeding programs.

The plan, recommended by the White House Office of Management and Budget in a letter to the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, would advise consumers to go easy on fatty foods such as french fries, and to eat more fish and other foods containing healthier fats.

More omega-3s: Specifically, the proposed revised guidelines would encourage consumption of foods containing "omega-3 fats"—the type believed to lower the risk of heart disease—and warn consumers against foods with "trans fatty acids" that increase health risks. According to OMB, the current guidelines call for "only the reduction of saturated fat and cholesterol, with only a brief reference to the risks from trans fatty acids and benefits of omega-3 fatty acids."

The shift in emphasis could have a direct impact on the National School Lunch Program, because schools rely on the government's dietary guidelines in planning menus. Under the current timetable, a revised set of nutrition guidelines is scheduled to be issued in 2005.