The U.S. Dietary Guidelines launched in 1980 as a joint initiative between the (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). "Each edition of the Dietary Guidelines reflects the current body of nutrition science," the USDA noted.
The recommendations in 1980 were simple: Eat a variety of foods, maintain an "ideal" weight, avoid too much fat and cholesterol, eat foods with adequate starch and fiber, avoid too much salt, and if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.