The federal government has begun again reviewing its dietary guidelines to determine if changes are needed to help consumers maintain healthful diets. Barbara Schneeman, dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, has been asked to join the 11-member advising committee that will say whether the guidelines need to be updated and, if so, what changes should be made. Schneeman, also a professor of nutrition, was a member of the last review committee, which drafted the 1990 edition of "Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans." The guidelines emphasized consumer options for developing a healthful diet; provided a weight index based on overall health rather than cosmetic appeal; and urged moderation in consumption of alcoholic beverages for the general public, while warning specific groups such as pregnant women to avoid drinking alcohol. While the committee reviews new scientific findings, Schneeman says, "consumers should feel confident in following the current recommendations to choose a diet with a variety of foods and plenty of fruits, vegetables and grain; as well as one that is low in total fat and saturated fatty acids in order to improve their overall health and lower their risk of disease."