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NAMI Provides Comments to Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

Clint Thompson Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Livestock

On behalf of the members of the North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute), Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Programs Susan Backus provided comments during the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services’ virtual meeting on the Scientific Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.

“The benefits of meat and poultry consumption as part of healthy, balanced dietary patterns cannot be overstated, especially in vulnerable population groups,” Backus said.

Backus expressed concern about the lack of clarity and inconsistencies in the Scientific Report’s conclusions regarding meat and poultry intake.

“The report notes that protein foods are generally consumed in the range of recommended amounts,” said Backus, “Yet, there are certain populations where specific nutrients and components pose special public health challenges, like adolescent girls and older adults who have low intakes of protein and vitamin B12, respectively.

Additional insights on the Scientific Report will be included in the Meat Institute’s written comments to be submitted Thursday, August 13, 2020.

The North American Meat Institute is the leading voice for the meat and poultry industry.