This new book from the US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, USDA ERS (last noted in the May 7, 1999 Scout Report) offers a comprehensive review of eating habits and the state of nutrition in America. Downloadable by chapter or in its entirety in .pdf format, the book presents a multi-disciplinary perspective on nutrition issues, addressing topics ranging from "dietary guidelines...

It’s a well rehearsed trope that information age homo sapiens have access to more information than any previous generation. In fact, it seems we create more information in two days than was generated, period, before 2003. But finding good information? That’s tricky. Take a look at the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) if you want peer-reviewed, expert opinions about issues related to...

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) is an online resource for nutrition and health that offers a vast amount of information on attaining and maintaining a healthy life style. This Web site offers everything from nutrition and health tips, to a complete food and nutrition guide, to books and other resources. Furthermore, ADA has a national referral service that links consumers, physicians, food...

For balance, read the American Council on Science and Health’s arch enemy, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). As a consumer advocacy organization, CSPI also has clear goals. As such, the organization conducts original research and attempts to provide objective information on such topics as food, alcohol, health, and the environment. On the site, read through the News Releases...

This thoughtful collection of materials related to ethics and nutrition was created by the folks at the American Physiological Society (APS) in honor of National Nutrition Month. The items here include teacher-developed studies that explore ethical issues related to nutrition and agriculture. The topics explored include meat consumption and alternatives, population growth and resource depletion,...

Sponsored by the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity, this 14-page report documents the immense health risks that may result because of the ubiquity of "value" meals proffered by fast-food outlets. During the first week of May 2002, members of the National Alliance gathered pricing data of various convenience foods and meals in Washington DC, Des Moines, Little Rock, Sacramento, and...

This site from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is designed to serve as a portal to resources and information on nutrition, healthy eating, and food safety available across government Websites. These resources are organized by category on the main page, including food facts, food safety, lifecycle issues, research, and health management, among others. Each of these is further divided by...

Despite the best intentions of many public health educators and concerned parents, the obesity problem in the United States continues to grow. A number of organizations have been interested in looking at the role of advertising as a part of this process, and this particular 31-page report on the subject will be of interest to many. Jointly published by the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network and...

Most people have probably heard about the recent troubles with mad cow disease, but they might not know much about the broader changes that have occurred with meat production over the past fifty years. This compelling 124-page report, released in April 2008, takes a close look into the nature of industrial meat production in America. The report was funded by a grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts...

On May 27, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the fifth edition of The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which are designed to provide scientifically grounded, but easy-to-understand, suggestions for diets that promote good health. The newest edition has been redesigned to be more consumer-friendly, and also contains safe food...