WASHINGTON, DC – The Meat Institute called on the US Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) to include meat and poultry as part of a healthy American diet noting flaws and contradictions in the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report (Report).

“The Committee’s Scientific Report contains contradictory and confusing findings,” said Meat Institute President Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs, Susan Backus. “Meat and poultry products are nutrient dense foods that help Americans meet their essential amino acid and nutrient requirements and yet the Report recommends a reduction in red and processed meats. When 95 percent of Americans eat meat, it is important to provide clear dietary guidance to consumers on how they can include the meat products they love in their diets and also produce a positive, measurable health impact.”

The Meat Institute’s detailed analysis of the Report’s findings can be found in the full comments submitted for the comment period here. Following the comment period, the Departments will use the 2025 Report as a key resource when developing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to provide meaningful dietary advice for the American population.

Meat and poultry products provide consumers with a convenient, direct, and balanced dietary source of all essential amino acids. Per serving, meat, poultry, and fish provide more protein than dairy, eggs, legumes, cereals, vegetables, or nuts. Protein is critical for developing, maintaining, and repairing strong muscles; is vital for growth and brain development in children; and is essential to prevent muscle loss during aging.

At issue is the Committee’s Report recommendation for modifications to healthy dietary patterns which emphasizes dietary intakes of beans, peas, and lentils while reducing intakes of red and processed meats.

The Report excludes meat and poultry as part of healthy dietary patterns, the Meat Institute is extremely concerned that consumers will inaccurately perceive meat and poultry products as poor dietary choices, which may lead to a variety of unintended consequences, including nutritional deficiencies in certain sub-populations.

In addition, the Report found that iron is a nutrient of public health concern for adolescent females, women ages 20-49 years; and individuals who are pregnant. The Committee also found that many individuals over the age of one year consume below the nutrient intake requirements for dietary protein, dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and more.

A recommendation to reduce, limit or avoid nutrient dense products like meat and poultry will have significant unintended nutritional consequences across all life stages, especially in those subpopulations of concern.

“A modified Healthy U.S.-Style Dietary Pattern risks the potential for unintended consequences for nutrient and energy intakes. Americans need to improve their eating patterns to promote health,” said Backus. “Considering dietary choices based on taste and cultural preferences, health and economic status, and food availability will be key to improving the dietary habits of Americans. A recommendation to reduce, limit or avoid nutrient dense products like meat and poultry will have significant unintended nutritional consequences across all life stages.”

The Meat Institute made the following arguments in the comments:

• Meat and Poultry, Which Includes Red and Processed Meats, Are Part of Healthy Dietary Patterns
• Protein Foods Are Consumed Within Recommended Ranges
• The Proposed Dietary Pattern Omits Key Nutrient Dense Foods: Meat and Poultry
• Reducing Animal-Based Protein Foods Will Result in Significant Nutrient Impacts
• Dietary Recommendations Based on Level of Processing is Not Appropriate and May Result in Unintended Consequences
• Context and Clarity around Dietary Patterns is Critical
• Dietary Guidance Should Be Practical, Affordable, and Achievable
• HHS and USDA Must Develop Final Policy with the Expertise of Food Scientists and Consumer Behaviorists
• Updates to the Existing Guidelines Must Be Clear and Consistent
• Additional Scientific Disciplines, Including Food Scientists, Should be on the 2030 Advisory Committee

“For guidance to be adopted, information must be communicated so it is understandable and easily translatable,” said Backus. “Guidance should focus on improving dietary habits within the foods Americans already consume; not the idealistic recommendations that will likely never be implemented because they may not be achievable or may be too confusing or expensive.”

About the Meat Institute

The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute’s hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come. To learn more, visit: MeatInstitute.org.