Summary
The U.S. government recently released new dietary guidelines, which have come under scrutiny because some experts involved have financial connections to the beef and dairy industries. The guidelines suggest eating more whole foods and focus on reducing sugar and processed foods. Concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest, although officials stated that experts were selected based on expertise and reviewed for conflicts.
Key Facts
- The new dietary guidelines were released by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture.
- The guidelines emphasize eating whole, nutrient-dense foods and reducing sugar and ultra-processed foods.
- Some experts involved in creating the guidelines have ties to the beef and dairy industries.
- There was an external peer review process coordinated by The National Institutes of Health to check for conflicts of interest.
- Review authors had connections to organizations like the Global Dairy Platform and National Cattlemen's Beef Association.
- The guidelines keep existing advice on saturated fat unchanged.
- Officials clarified that expert selection was based on expertise and transparency of potential private interests.
