“The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s (DGAC) inclusion of enriched grains in the refined grains category is a big setback for women and infants’ health, particularly in the Hispanic community. This recommendation puts at risk the significant health gains made due to folic acid fortification of enriched grains, most notably a 36 percent reduction in neural tube defects – a success the CDC has touted as one of the top public health achievements of the past decade.
Whereas ABA supports the Committee’s recognition of the nutritional contribution of whole grains to the diet and the need to increase consumption among all Americans, ABA also feels it is important to acknowledge the crucial contribution made by enriched grains in the diet to ensure adequate nutrients, like folic acid, fiber, and iron, especially for women of child bearing age and infants.
This is a lengthy report that requires further study and review. We look forward to working with the departments of Health & Human Services and Agriculture in translating the DGAC report into science-based dietary guidelines that communicate the vital role of both enriched and whole grains in a healthy, balanced diet.”
About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 700 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $70 billion in economic activity annually and employs close to half a million highly skilled people.
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About “The Power of Baking”
As part of its convention and yearlong theme, ABA will be sharing “The Power of Baking” with baking industry, policymakers and key influencers with focused messages based on economic, consumer and nutrition facts and research. Over the course of 2015, ABA will be illustrating the impact of baking in the retail marketplace by imparting data that proves baking is one of America’s most powerful industries. Learn more at www.americanbakers.org.
Source: American Bakers Association
