The Biden-Harris administration’s Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is planning to release new dietary recommendations that favor plant-based proteins over red meat, but the official announcement has been pushed to after the election. This decision to delay has raised questions about the administration’s motives, as critics suspect it could be an effort to avoid voter backlash.
The committee, tasked with updating federal dietary guidelines, has proposed shifting emphasis to plant proteins like beans, peas, and lentils. Committee member Deirdre Tobias of Harvard University suggested that Americans face a “branding crisis” in how they view protein, as many associate it strictly with meat. Tobias argued that promoting plant-based options as primary protein sources could help change public perception.
Biden-Harris diet panel to elevate plant proteins over meat in snub to farm voters https://t.co/5XNuF5kHjh
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) October 31, 2024
Representatives of the meat industry, however, argue that these guidelines overlook key health benefits of red meat. Shalene McNeill from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association contended that beef provides vital nutrients and helps fill gaps in the American diet. Bryan Humphreys, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council, added that plant proteins do not offer the same density of nutrients, and warned that a reduction in meat consumption could harm public health.
The guidelines, while not mandatory, shape school nutrition programs, federal dietary policies, and even medical recommendations, making them highly influential in American diets. The administration’s decision to hold back the guidelines’ release has led some to speculate that they fear backlash from voters who may see the changes as unnecessary or ideologically driven.
This proposal comes amid broader environmental goals, as reducing meat consumption aligns with efforts to lower carbon emissions. Yet, many Americans view meat as a key part of their diet and cultural identity, raising concerns that these new guidelines could be seen as out of step with public preference.
As Election Day approaches, the delay in releasing the guidelines has drawn attention, with some questioning whether the administration is attempting to avoid fallout that could impact its electoral support.
