Farm groups have been carefully watching the development of the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans for several decades. However, some are already developing heartburn as the multi-year process is drawing to a close.
The National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 directed the secretaries of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services to jointly issue a report titled “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” at least every five years as a way to address public health concerns related to diet.
Experts responsible for examining scientific evidence and drafting recommendations for the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are calling on consumers to shift to eating more plant-based food, eat more fruits and vegetables and limit consumption of red or processed meats, refined grains, foods high in saturated fats and salty snacks.
The committee received more than 9,900 comments throughout this process, the most ever received by a Dietary Guidelines Committee. Comments were open from Jan. 19, 2023, to Oct. 7.
One of the draft recommendations related to dietary patterns suggests including “more nutrient-dense, plant-based meal and dietary recommendation options.”
The committee also discussed moving beans, peas and lentils from the vegetable category to protein or its own category. It suggested that this category go first in the protein category, followed by nuts and seeds, seafood, eggs, poultry and then meat.
The DGA Advisory Committee, which recently held its seventh and final meeting, also decided there isn’t sufficient data to draw conclusions about ultra-processed foods and health outcomes, an issue that has surfaced in the presidential campaign.
Meat industry disappointed
The recommendations to limit consumption of red and processed meats drew a swift reaction from the meat industry. Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO of the Meat Institute, said these suggestions are “alarming, disappointing and … contradictory to the committee’s other findings about nutritional deficiencies.”
“It’s baffling that we are trying to get Americans to cut out red meat when the evidence indicates nutrient deficiencies and chronic disease are increasing as red meat consumption declines,” said Shalene McNeill, executive director of nutrition science at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
“As a registered dietitian and nutrition scientist, I am concerned that basing guidelines on highly academic exercises, hypothetical modeling and weak science on red meat will not produce relevant or practical guidelines and will not help us achieve healthier diets,” McNeill continued in a statement.
The International Dairy Foods Association said it was “cautiously optimistic” that the committee will continue to recommend three servings of dairy for most Americans, based on the recent meetings. However, the group said it is disappointed the panel may dismiss evidence supporting the inclusion of dairy at all fat levels.
IDFA also raised concerns about the need for additional transparency and accountability in the DGAC process.
Potato growers concerned, too
In boosting bean, pea and lentil consumption, the committee also recommended offsetting this intake with lowered starchy vegetable consumption.
The National Potato Council criticized the recommendation on starchy vegetables and said the committee should focus on increasing American’s intake of vegetables overall.
“This conclusion is unsupported by nutritional science and will confuse consumers,” said Kam Quarles, CEO of NPC, in a statement.
More DGA work ahead
These concerned farm groups are hoping that some additional modifications will be made before the next dietary guidelines are finalized.
All the conclusion statements and recommendations shared during the meetings are still considered a draft until submitted, as some changes may be made based on discussion and comments on the final advisory committee meeting.
Once completed, the final report will go to USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services to advise the agencies in completing the official guidelines.
Regardless of the final DGA outcome, the debate over diet and health will continue to be center stage for many. We’ve already watched the discussion surface more frequently during the presidential campaign. For example, former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly attacked ultraprocessed foods in his Make America Healthy Again platform since joining former President Donald Trump’s transition team.
Editor’s note: Sara Wyant is publisher of Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc., www.Agri-Pulse.com.
