Dive Brief:
- When the HHS and USDA released the long-awaited 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Thursday morning the two biggest points are the specific cutback on added sugars — a recommended less than 10% of daily calories — and no warning against the consumption of red meat.
- Meat has been heavily scrutinized, with many signs pointing to a caution in this year's guidelines. The meat industry didn't get through completely unscathed, with a warning for teen boys and adult men to "reduce overall intake of protein foods by decreasing intakes of meat, poultry, and eggs."
- The egg industry may be enjoying a victory with the removal of a 300 milligrams-a-day cholesterol limit, though that USDA investigation into the American Egg Board is still underway as of the end of last year.
Dive Insight:
The meat industry was clear about its displeasure with the DGAC recommendations, and the early October announcement that sustainability wouldn't be included in the final guidelines serves now as a more clear precursor to today's news. This is despite the late October World Health Organization report, that created headlines like "Meat causes cancer."
Sugar is more a priority for the government, as the new guidelines mirror new FDA guidance, also recommending a daily cap of sugar amounting to 10% of calories. The industry, from cereal makers to beverages, has been actively reducing sugar in products to alleviate consumer concerns.
Traditional guidelines, like the recommendations to eat more fruits and vegetables, remained intact.
Here's a deeper look at what the Guidelines mean for the meat industry.