History and Use of the American Dietetic Association's Seal

ADA Corporate SealAn authorized seal for ADA was adopted by the Executive Board and presented to members on October 24 [1940]. At its center are symbols of the three main characteristics of the profession: a balance scale, representing science as the foundation and symbolizing equality; a caduceus, representing the close relationship between dietetics and medicine; and a cooking vessel, representing cookery and food preparation.

Around the main design is a shaft of wheat, representing bread, the staff of life, and stylized acanthus leaves, representing growth and life. Over the design is a cornucopia, representing an abundant food supply. Beneath the design is ADA's motto, Quam Plurimis Prodesse ("To benefit as many as possible"). Around the edge is the name of the organization and the date of its founding written in Roman numerals.

The new seal was used on stationery and all official publications of the Association. A copy of the seal was embroidered on linen by Beula Marble, president of ADA [1939-40], and presented to the Association for use in the Chicago office, where it remains today.

From Carry the Flame, American Dietetic Association (1990) p. 113

ADA introduced an organizational logo in April [1986], the beginning of a new graphic image for the Association. The logo was designed to strengthen and unify ADA's image to members and the public. The logo would be the cornerstone of a visual identity program and used consistently on all Association communications. The ADA seal would be maintained for certain traditional and ceremonial purposes. Use of all other graphic symbols would be discouraged.

From Carry the Flame, p. 450

The seal is still in use on Registration Status Certificates for both registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered, as well as on ADA's gold Member Pin. Most recently, ADA's seal was used, along with the organizational logo, on materials created for the Association's Nutrition News Forecast.

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