Communication to the Editor—Is the “Diet Problem” Identical to the “Menu Planning Problem”?

Although the “diet problem” for animals and humans is similar in basic formulation, psychological parameters relating to monotony and production factors complicate the model for the human diet. The “diet problem” differs from the “menu planning problem” in (1) simplicity of the problem, (2) complete definition of the relevant parameters, and (3) availability of accurate, complete, and reliable data. For these reasons the designation “diet probem” should be restricted to linear programming methods applied in animal feed blending; textbook examples should use feedstuffs for illustration. The term “menu planning problem” should refer to methods for planning menus for the human diet, including the related psychological parameters and production factors, but should not include projects in data collection or the peripheral problems of menu control.