When did the FDA release the food pyramid? The USDA’s 1992 Food Guide Explained

January 1, 2026 •

2 min read

The common question, "When did the FDA release the food pyramid?", is based on a misconception, as it was actually the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that introduced the iconic Food Guide Pyramid in 1992. This initial version was the result of extensive testing and was designed to visually represent daily serving recommendations for different food groups.

Quick Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), not the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), unveiled the Food Guide Pyramid in 1992. This guide served as the official U.S. dietary recommendation until it was replaced by MyPyramid in 2005 and MyPlate in 2011.

Key Points

Misattribution of Agencies: It was the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), not the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), that released the Food Guide Pyramid in 1992.
Pyramid's Historical Context: The 1992 Food Guide Pyramid was part of a long history of U.S. nutritional guides, dating back to 1916.
Visual Design: The 1992 pyramid famously depicted proportional servings with grains at the widest base and fats/sweets at the narrow tip.
Successors to the Pyramid: The pyramid was replaced by MyPyramid in 2005, which featured colorful stripes and a running figure, and later by MyPlate in 2011.
MyPlate's Visual Simplicity: The current MyPlate model uses a plate icon to visually represent balanced food group proportions, making it more intuitive for consumers.
Evolving Science: Each update to the national food guide, from the pyramid to MyPlate, reflects new scientific understanding and priorities in nutrition.

Correcting the Misconception: USDA vs. FDA

There is a common misunderstanding about whether the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the food pyramid. The FDA primarily focuses on the safety and security of food, drugs, and cosmetics. The USDA, however, is responsible for public nutrition guides. The Food Guide Pyramid, a chart showing recommended servings, was developed by the USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.

A Historical Timeline of U.S. Food Guidance

Government food guidance in the U.S. has a long history, evolving over time. Predecessors to the pyramid include the 1916 Food for Young Children, the 1943 Basic Seven, the 1956 Basic Four, and the 1979 Hassle-Free Daily Food Guide.

The 1992 Food Guide Pyramid

The 1992 pyramid was a four-tiered visual guide. The base, the largest section, represented grains (6-11 servings), followed by a split section for vegetables and fruits (2-5 servings). The third tier included milk, yogurt, cheese, and a separate section for meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts (2-3 servings each). The smallest top section was for fats, oils, and sweets, to be used sparingly.

The Evolution Beyond the Pyramid: MyPyramid and MyPlate

Criticism of the 1992 pyramid led to changes.

MyPyramid (2005)

MyPyramid replaced the original in 2005, using colorful vertical stripes for food groups and depicting physical activity. It directed users to a website for personalized serving information.

MyPlate (2011)

MyPlate, introduced in 2011, is the current model. It uses a plate icon divided into sections for fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein, with a separate dairy representation. This design aims for simplicity and intuitive understanding of mealtime proportions. The USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services jointly publish current dietary guidelines.

Comparison Table: From Pyramid to Plate


Feature	1992 Food Guide Pyramid	2005 MyPyramid	2011 MyPlate
Visual Representation	Horizontal, four-tiered pyramid.	Vertical, colored striped pyramid.	Divided dinner plate and glass.
Serving Guidance	Explicit serving ranges.	Online personalized guidance.	Visual proportions.
Emphasis	Proportional consumption based on tier size.	Exercise included.	Balanced plate at mealtimes; simplicity.
Exercise Component	Not included visually.	Explicitly incorporated.	Emphasized online.

Conclusion: Understanding the Source of Nutritional Guidance

To answer when did the FDA release the food pyramid?, it is important to remember the USDA released the Food Guide Pyramid in 1992, not the FDA. The guide has been updated multiple times to reflect new nutritional science, evolving from the initial pyramid to MyPyramid and the current MyPlate. The USDA provides these dietary guidelines, while the FDA focuses on food safety. For current information, visit MyPlate.gov.

Note: The FDA is crucial for food safety but does not develop national dietary guides; that is the role of the USDA and DHHS.

Frequently Asked Questions

It was the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that released the Food Guide Pyramid in 1992, not the FDA.

The original U.S. Food Guide Pyramid was officially released in 1992.

The Food Guide Pyramid was replaced by MyPyramid in 2005, which was then replaced by the current MyPlate guide in 2011.

The FDA's primary role regarding food is ensuring safety and security. They do not publish national dietary guidelines like the food pyramid; that is the USDA's function.

MyPlate, introduced in 2011, is a more intuitive visual guide that shows a plate divided into sections for fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein. Unlike the tiered pyramid, it emphasizes balancing food groups on a plate at each meal.

The base, and widest section, of the 1992 Food Guide Pyramid was dedicated to grains like bread, cereal, rice, and pasta, with a recommendation of 6 to 11 servings per day.

The top, and smallest section, of the 1992 Food Guide Pyramid was for fats, oils, and sweets, recommending they be used sparingly.