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AMI challenges science in nutrition recommendations

The North American Meat Institute is challenging the science behind the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s updated nutrition recommendations.  Janet Riley,   senior vice-president of public affairs for NAMI says the committee’s report is confusing.  “It says eat less red and processed meat, but then in a footnote it says lean meat can be part of a healthy, balanced diet,” she says.  “What they don’t seem to understand is that many red and processed meat are lean.”

Riley tells Brownfield NAMI wants to see common sense recommendations in the guidelines once they are implemented.  “The data they reviewed showed that protein is the only food that is consumed at proper levels,” she says.  “So what they should be saying is continue making meat and poultry a part your healthy balanced diet – at the recommended levels.  Which is what most Americans are doing.”

She says the committee’s recommendations would impact federal nutrition programs if implemented.  “It impacts school lunch, military procurement, and WIC,” she says.  “For many, many students, especially those on free and reduce meals, the school lunch and breakfast program can be their major source of the complete protein.  That meat and poultry offer.”

Riley says the advisory committee’s limited use of scientific evidence undermines the credibility of its proposed recommendations.