Newark, Del. — Responding to the Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, Produce Marketing Association (PMA) submitted written comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supporting the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s (DGAC) call for a multi-component, collaborative approach to increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. Among its 10 specific recommendations, PMA also backed the advisory report’s conclusion for the need to lower Americans’ risk of cancer, heart disease and other illness by encouraging consumers to eat whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, rather than vitamin or mineral supplements. Read the full comments on PMA’s website.
“While the DGAC report is not a draft of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans policy, it does form the basis for federal health guidance and feeding programs,” said Kathy Means, PMA vice president of industry relations. “In combination with PMA and member activities, DGAC’s recommendations create a favorable climate for significant growth in fresh produce consumption and sales.”
PMA applauds the committee’s conclusion that new dietary recommendations must meet consumers where they are in terms of cultural and personal food preferences and must also emphasize the role the food environment and public policies play in the ability of Americans to follow dietary guidance. PMA agrees with DGAC that additional measures from a wide range of stakeholders are needed to drive consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Our comments acknowledge industry’s responsibility in a multi-component, collaborative approach to make healthy lifestyles and disease prevention top priorities,” said Kevin Fiori, PMA board of directors chair and vice president of sales and marketing for Sunkist Growers. “We also point out the produce industry’s already taking a leadership role by marketing fruits and vegetables differently, as demonstrated through PMA’s support of the eat brighter!™ movement and the FNV program.”
The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) will publish later this year. While the MyPlate graphic will undergo review, experts anticipate it will remain the visual nutrition guide. When PMA board of directors established Issues Leadership as one of the four pillars resulting from PMA Strategic Plan 2.0, nutrition was identified as a key area of focus. PMA’s ongoing participation in the DGA development process aligns with this charge to support issues that build consumer demand and reduce barriers to consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
About Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. PMA helps members grow by providing connections that expand business opportunities and increase sales and consumption. For more information, visit www.pma.com.
Source: Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
