AMI to Promote MyPyramid Food Guidance System

The American Meat Institute (AMI) has entered into a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) "Partnering with MyPyramid" program.

AMI said it has long supported the MyPyramid system, and uses its nutritional education tools and the dietary guidelines recommendation of consuming 5-7 ounces of meat per day as a focal point in many of its consumer education materials.

"We are proud to join with USDA in this partnership," said James H. Hodges, AMI executive vice president. "The health of our customers is the driving force in the production of meat and poultry products, not only with respect to improving the safety of meat and poultry products, but also in offering diverse nutritional products to consumers so they can make an educated decision in choosing the food that best fits their personal lifestyle and family needs."

Currently, AMI's MeatPoultryNutrition.org provides links to many of the MyPyramid tools. The site also features a "MyPyramid for Kids" section that offers parents a guide to healthier foods and physical activity choices for kids.

Additionally, three of AMI's consumer education videos, part of its Ask the Meat Scientist YouTube series, focus on what it means to be a lean cut of meat, proper meat and poultry portion sizes, and the role of sodium in meat products.