The United States Cattlemen's Association last week submitted comments on the Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, showing concern that the report's treatment of animal-based proteins show a "distinct bias."
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Linda Chezem, chairwoman of the USCA Health and Dietary Committee, said the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee has "proposed a set of national standards that does not rely on proven fact; rather, the report shows a distinct bias toward a specific set of ideals."
According to Chezem, national standards of this magnitude must be based on best science and must accurately reflect all choices that may be made in a healthy diet.
"The report discounts animal-based proteins and the proven science behind the nutritional benefits of such nutrients as iron and zinc that lean meats provide," Chezem said.
USCA's comments state specific concerns regarding the committee's discussion of environment, sustainability and other climate-based issues as they relate to food products.
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USCA has requested that all sections focused on these issues areas, which the group said "lie far outside the expertise of the appointed panel," to be dismissed.
"These guidelines are meant to guide a nation toward embracing healthy eating habits, not a set of ideals held by an appointed committee," Chezem said.
Source: USCA