Abstract: Descriptive information about foods reported in the household food consumption phase of the 1977-78 National Food Consumption Survey is provided in this manual from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Information provided for each food includes 1) a 15-digit identification code, 2) several commonly reported units for the food, and 3) corresponding weights (pounds) for each unit. Food codes are assigned to food items or groups of similar items based on the frequency of reportings and comparability in form or nutritional content. Major food groupings include 1) baby and junior foods, 2) meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish, and eggs, 3) milk and milk products, 4) vegetables, 5) fruits and juices, 6) grain and bakery products, 7) sugars and sweets, 8) fats and oils, 9) soups, sauces, gravies, 10) mixtures (meat, grain, milk, vegetable), and 11) beverages (alcoholic, coffee, tea, softdrinks). A chart lists each of the major food groups and the first three digits of the corresponding food codes.