The growing evidence of the link between diet and health has not been lost on consumers in the United States. As awareness of the diet-health link has increased through nutrition education, consumers have changed their diets. Although there is still considerable room for improvement in meeting Federal food-guidance recommendations, nutrition concerns have become an important factor in food choices. Both the food sector and the Federal Government have responded to consumer concerns about nutrition through improvements in the nutrient profile of food products, improved information on food labels, and nutrition education program such as "5 A Day For Better Health", aimed at increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables. Technological advances in food processing have given the food industry new tools that are likely to accelerate the introduction of tasty healthier foods. Changes in what, where, and how food products are produced present unlimited opportunities for domestic and foreign producers and food manufacturers who can identify, respond to, or create new consumer food desires. The topics covered are: Diet and health guidance; awareness of the linkage between diet and health; trends in food consumption; intake levels and dietary guidelines; changes in food consumption patterns, 1977-1988; responses of both the food sector and the government; and likely impacts on agriculture. An appendix provides the main sources of information. (Contains 42 references.) (Author/JB)