TSCRA Statement on 2015 Dietary Guideline Recommendations
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Feb. 19 released their 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s (DGAC) report, which recommends that Americans consume less beef.
The report is provided to the USDA and HHS Secretaries every five years as they develop their plan for revised dietary guidelines. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) President Pete Bonds made the following statement after the report was released.
“For centuries, cattle raisers in Texas and across the country have worked tirelessly to provide a healthy and wholesome supply of beef worldwide,” said Bonds. “I take great pride in the fact that we produce a nutritious and healthy product, and the same goes for millions of others involved in the beef business.
“Unfortunately, the federal government keeps attacking our industry by spreading false information about beef. This appears to be a trend from bureaucrats who are pushing an anti-meat agenda. The most recent example of this is the dietary guidelines report, which recommends that Americans consume less beef. It also suggests that plant-based products are more sustainable than animal-based food sources.
“Keeping beef in your diet is a good practice, and the federal government shouldn’t be encouraging Americans to remove an important source of protein and vitamins from their plates. I believe a person’s daily ration of beef should be at least a quarter pounder a day.
“Including beef in meals and practicing a balanced diet is a healthy option for Americans. The federal government should be promoting all nutritious food sources in their recommendations – not just the ones they feel like fit their political agenda.
“TSCRA urges ranchers, consumers and others involved in the beef industry to contact their elected officials to voice concerns on the dietary guidelines. It is crucial that we send a clear message that we do not approve of this flawed report.”
Source: Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
