New US Dietary Guidelines Spark Outrage Over Industry Ties and Health Risks
The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans have sparked controversy by recommending red meats and whole milk despite their high saturated fat content. Critics argue the new advice ignores established health risks and instead reflects industry influence over public health policy.
The guidelines, released under the Trump administration, replaced earlier Biden-era recommendations after a faster, less transparent selection process for the expert panel.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has filed a formal complaint against the guidelines. Their petition claims the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) violated laws by issuing advice that dismisses current science. The group also alleges the guidelines were shaped by industry bias rather than independent research.
An investigation revealed that eight of the nine panel members had received funding from the livestock industry. Over half were linked to USDA checkoff programmes, which promote foods like beef and dairy despite health concerns. These financial ties raise questions about the panel’s objectivity. The new guidelines reject evidence connecting animal protein to rising obesity rates in the US. NYU Professor Emerita Dr Marion Nestle criticised the recommendations, calling them a return to 1950s diets. She argued they make little sense given Americans already consume more protein than needed. Health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr had previously promised to eliminate conflicts of interest in the panel. However, the final guidelines still face accusations of favouring industry over public health. Critics insist the recommendations must be rewritten by unbiased experts using up-to-date nutrition research.
The 2025-30 dietary guidelines now face calls for a complete overhaul. Experts stress the need for science-based advice to combat chronic diseases and improve public health. Without changes, the current recommendations will remain under scrutiny for their industry ties and outdated approach.
