The federal government’s new dietary guidelines, issued late last month, call on Americans to eat smaller portions, use less salt and eat more fruits and vegetables. The Grocery Manufacturers Association, a Washington-based food industry representative, expressed its full support.

“Since 2002, GMA member companies have introduced more than 20,000 products with fewer calories and reduced fat, sugar and sodium,” the association says in a statement. “Through the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, food and beverage companies have pledged to remove 1.5 trillion calories from the food supply by 2015.”

GMA says the guidelines will be especially helpful by focusing on calorie balance for weight management and nutrient-dense eating patterns as important concepts in helping Americans build a healthy lifestyle.

The Dairy Foods Association also voices strong support for the guidelines, noting it encourages three daily servings of low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products for adults as well as children nine years and older.