Food guides reflect similarities and differences in dietary guidance in three countries (Japan, Canada, and the United States)

Abstract

Food guides to help consumers make healthy choices have recently been released in three countries: Japan, Canada, and the United States. The visual symbol that introduces key concepts is a spinning top in Japan, a rainbow in Canada, and a pyramid in the United States. The main features of the new guides are given in printed consumer resources, and more detailed information is available at related websites. Although the process of developing the guides varied among the countries, the resulting recommended food patterns are remarkably consistent. © 2007 International Life Sciences Institute.