Personally, I can’t believe we are going through this again since the result will certainly not differ much from previous versions, except in details (see my previous post on this).
But here we are, so let’s get to it.
ODPHP must be in charge this round (leadership passes back and forth between ODPHP and USDA’s nutrition policy office). It says:
You can get involved by:
- Attending virtual meetings: View the recording of the first meeting held in February 2023, and register to view the livestream of the second meeting on May 10th on DietaryGuidelines.gov.
- Providing public comments: Comments may be submitted online.
- Subscribing to email updates: Stay informed on each step of the process by registering for updates.
More details on the Dietary Guidelines development process can be found at DietaryGuidelines.gov.
What to expect?
- Investigative reports on conflicts of interest among members of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (members must report conflicted interests but the agencies do not make the reports public)
- Nothing about sustainability (Off the table; the agencies said there will be a separate report on that. When?)
- Nothing about meat (Off the table)
- Debates about the significance of ultra-processed foods (but only with respect to heart disease)
- Other issues, surely
My prediction: after an enormous amount of work, the guidelines will say, as they mostly do:
- Balance calorie intake with expenditure
- Eat more plant foods (foods)
- Don’t eat too much salt, sugar, saturated fat (nutrients)
- And, if we are lucky, minimize or avoid ultra-processed foods
Stay tuned.
*******
For 30% off, go to www.ucpress.edu/9780520384156. Use code 21W2240 at checkout.
