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President Lincoln launches the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Chemistry, the predecessor of the Food and Drug Administration. -
The original Food and Drugs Act is passed. It prohibits interstate commerce in misbranded and adulterated foods, drinks and drugs. -
Oleomargarine Act requires prominent labeling of colored oleomargarine, to distinguish it from butter. (Yes, swindlers tried to sell folks cheap margarine in the guise of butter.) -
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) publish the 1980 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The guidelines are to be updated every 5 years. In 1980 there were 7 simple guidelines. In 2005 there were 41 recommendations in a 71-page booklet! -
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American Heart Association initiates a food certification program including AHA's Heart-Check symbol to appear on certain foods. Criteria are simple-low in saturated fat and cholesterol, for healthy people over age 2. And a certification payment to AHA by the food manufacturer. -
Hannaford Supermarkets launches Guiding Stars, intended to help customers choose healthy foods. Foods are ranked 0 to 3 stars, with three stars awarded to most nutritious foods. Only 20% of the supermarkets' stocked items are starred, but sales of these items increase by several percentage points. -
Walmart launches its "Great for You" seal of approval. The standards are the most stringent to be seen from the food industry so far.