A growing and consistent theme in the policy debates in which ABA is engaged is the importance of science to fortify our position. This may seem like an oxymoron, but the high complexity and technical nature of issues such as the revised dietary guidelines, banning partially hydrogenated oils, GRAS reform, and validating the so called baking kill step all require ABA to bring the best possible science to the discussions.
ABA has a long history of relying on strong scientific fundamentals to strengthen its policy positions and so stands in good stead to continue its reliance upon those fundamentals to achieve success in its policy objectives. We also have increased our support for key research to further grow our capabilities, many times in cooperation with key industry partners.
A great illustration is the research that has been conducted under the direction of the Grain Foods Foundation Scientific Advisory Board. Designed to quantify the value of grains as the biggest bang for the nutrition dollar and the importance of grains in determining health outcomes, the research has far exceeded our limited expectations. Not only are the results of the research worthy of consideration by the top nutrition and medical journals in the world, they will provide a wealth of ammunition in the ongoing dietary guidelines deliberations. At the very least, they allow the industry to stand up tall when telling the powerful story about its products.
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