American dietary guidelines are not only advisory for private households. They are also used as the basis for school meals and public catering and can therefore have significant practical impact.
According to The Guardian, the latest guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health have caused concern among experts because they place greater emphasis on animal-based foods.
Impact on children
One of the biggest concerns relates to school meals.
According to Friends of the Earth, the national dietary guidelines are used when setting rules for school food programs.
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Children cannot choose for themselves whether to follow the recommendations.
The organization’s representative, Chloë Waterman, warns, according to The Guardian, that more meat and full-fat dairy products in school meals could lead to an increase in diet-related diseases such as diabetes and metabolic disorders.
This runs counter to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s goal of reducing childhood obesity.
Confusing health advice
Health experts are also critical. Dr. Cheryl Anderson of the American Heart Association points out inconsistencies between the text and images in the new dietary guidelines.
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Although limiting saturated fat is still recommended, meat and cheese occupy more space in the visual food pyramid than plant-based proteins, The Guardian reports.
According to Dr. Cheryl Anderson, this may make it difficult for the public to understand how the recommendations should be followed in everyday life.
Consequences for the climate
The criticism also concerns environmental issues. Chloë Waterman emphasizes that the United States is already among the countries with the highest meat consumption.
Increased animal-based production requires large amounts of resources and contributes to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Sources: The Guardian, U.S. Department of Health, Friends of the Earth, and American Heart Association.
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