The Checkoff Ensures Beef’s Inclusion in a Healthy Diet
Every five years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) work together to update and release the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines.) Each edition of the Dietary Guidelines reflects the most current nutritional science and advises consumers on what to eat and drink for better health and reduced risk of chronic disease. The 2020 to 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee (DGAC) is comprised of 20 health and nutrition experts who are responsible for developing the recommendations for the USDA and HHS. The Dietary Guidelines provide a roadmap for healthy eating and serve as the foundation for federal nutrition programs; school, military, hospital and nursing home menus, and many other expert nutrition recommendations.
Because the Dietary Guidelines has a significant influence on consumer eating habits, the Beef Checkoff works diligently to ensure beef is well represented in this publication. For the most recent edition, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, submitted 21 sets of public comments and more than 100 research studies supporting beef’s role in a healthy diet.