In February, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee submitted its Scientific Report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture. The committee was charged with examining where sufficient “new scientific evidence is likely to be available that may inform revisions to the current guidance or suggest new guidance.”

Based on their research, the committee concluded that “a healthy dietary pattern is higher in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low- or non-fat dairy, seafood, legumes, and nuts; moderate in alcohol (among adults); lower in red and processed meat; and low in sugar sweetened foods and drinks and refined grains.”

The report continued:

Consistent evidence indicates that, in general, a dietary pattern that is higher in plant-based foods … and lower in animal-based foods is more health promoting and is associated with a lesser environmental impact (GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions and energy, land, and water use) than is the current average U.S. diet.

The emphasis on lower red and processed meat consumption provoked a strong negative response from the meat industry, and a request that the public comment period for the report be extended from 45 days to 120 days. The deadline was later extended until May 8.

North American Meat Institute (NAMI) Vice President of Scientific Affairs Betsy Booren argued that meat and poultry products are an important component of a healthful American diet. NAMI has announced a petition drive opposing the recommendations.

Meanwhile, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Pat Roberts (KS-R) has said that he supports the industry position and that the recommendations “make a certain segment of agriculture a target.”

Concerns on both sides were voiced at a House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee on March 17.

The Agriculture and Health and Human Services Departments will review the report, along with public comments and input from other agencies, before beginning the process of updating the guidelines.