In SSA2-NOM-043-2002 it is included as a visual aid in order to illustrate the division into three food groups. It conveys the idea that combining the three groups on the plate, and taking up areas of the same size, that all three are equally important and none should be privileged over others. Amounts no were drawn because it is not individual is also transient.

The classification does not include oil, fat and sugar because they are not proper food ingredients but whose presence in the diet is not enforced. Been included as a group would be "forcing" or promoting its consumption at present is excessive.