By Jamie Martin
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has publicly condemned the recent recommendations by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which suggest replacing high-quality protein sources like beef with alternatives such as beans, peas, and lentils.
Ethan Lane, NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs, criticized the committee's approach, describing it as "one of the most out-of-touch, impractical, and elitist conversations in the history of this process." He expressed concerns over the sudden introduction of these proposals, noting their potential dangers and deceptions.
Despite a decline in red meat consumption over the last four decades, obesity and chronic diseases continue to rise, with plant-based calories already making up 70% of the U.S. diet.
The recommendations to further reduce red meat intake seem counterintuitive to NCBA, especially given that 80% of Americans identify as meat-eaters.
Dr. Shalene McNeill, NCBA Executive Director of Nutrition Science and a registered dietitian, also voiced her worries - “We’ve had more than four decades of Dietary Guidelines advice, and during that time red meat consumption has declined, yet obesity and chronic disease is on the rise.
70% of the calories in the U.S. diet are plant based. Now, the committee wants to reduce red meat intake even further, marginalizing the 80% of the population who identify themselves as meat eaters,” highlighting the critical nutrients beef contributes to the American diet, which are essential for various demographic groups, including older adults and women of child-bearing age.
The NCBA is advocating for dietary guidelines that are based on comprehensive science and practical applications rather than hypothetical models and weak evidence, to support healthier American diets.
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Categories: National