Time is running out to comment on lean red meat language in federal guidelines

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the basis of federal nutrition policy, are updated every five years. This year the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee included new language that leaves red meat out of what’s considered a healthy diet. Moreover, the committee seems to have interjected language that veers from diet to policy guidance on production practices vis-a-vis the environment.

“The major findings regarding sustainable diets were that a diet higher in plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and lower in calories and animal-based foods is more health promoting and is associated with less environmental impact than is the current US diet.”

The move generated a general uproar from farm organizations. And, in fact, the comment period for the committee’s recommendations has been extended to May 8. Feed back from the citizenry carries important weight when issues like this one rise from bureaucracy to the attention of elected official. Make sure your opinion is heard. Visit mfa.ag/1DKBwl4 to make a comment.