The United States Agriculture Department recently expanded the list of foods eligible to use the Whole Grains Council's Whole Grain Stamps, including pizzas, pot pies, pocket sandwiches and other foods made with a significant amount of whole grain. Labels on products like these, which contain meat and poultry in addition to grains, must be pre-approved by USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).

"With this decision, FSIS has taken another important step to support the Dietary Guidelines and MyPyramid," said K. Dun Gifford, president of Oldways. "These federal food and eating guides recommend we all eat three or more servings of whole grains each day, but Americans rushing up and down the grocery aisles need the help of these eye-catching Whole Grain Stamps to quickly locate whole grain foods."

The Whole Grain Stamp, a bright black-and-gold symbol developed by Oldways and the Whole Grains Council, is currently displayed on nearly 800 food products. To qualify for the stamps, each serving of a product must contain at least one-half a serving of whole grains.

The stamp, introduced in early 2005 and widely used on breads, cereals, crackers, granola bars and a range of other foods, had not previously been approved for use on products containing meat and poultry. The Whole Grains Council launched its new enhanced stamp design in late June this year, adding more information for consumers.