Dietary Guidelines For Americans, 2015: Situation & Opportunities For Beef

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) are updated every five years, and the process to develop the 2015 DGA is now underway. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC), which is comprised of 14 leading nutrition researchers, is now analyzing the latest evidence before they release their report in late 2014. A public comment period will follow the release of the DGAC report, and the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) will then release the consumer-facing Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015, by the end of 2015.

Background

The DGA provides evidence-based nutrition guidance for Americans 2 years of age and older, to help promote overall health, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity. While many consumers may not be aware of the DGA, these recommendations set the precedent for numerous far-reaching and influential nutrition guidance efforts. They are the foundation for national nutrition policy that influences all federal government nutrition assistance, education and labeling programs, including those at 20 federal agencies such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program; Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and Meals on Wheels programs. In addition, the DGA inform dietary recommendations promoted through U.S. health voluntary organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as international groups. Finally, the DGA identifies research gaps and establishes research agendas for federal agencies and organizations, and they serve as guiding principles for the development of nutrition-focused consumer marketing and education programs, including those created by the beef checkoff.

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