2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Draws Scrutiny From Meat Industry Groups

The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recommended the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services reduce red meat consumption in federal nutrition guidelines. This has sparked criticism from the Meat Institute and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

Both organizations argue that red meat is essential for a healthy diet, offering high-quality protein and vital nutrients like iron, zinc and B vitamins, which many Americans lack. President of the Meat Institute Julie Anna Potts emphasized meat’s role in muscle development, brain growth and maintaining a healthy weight.

NCBA President Mark Eisele and NCBA Executive Director of Nutrition Science and Registered Dietitian Dr. Shalene McNeill highlighted that most Americans already consume beef within the recommended levels. They criticized the report for disregarding scientific evidence of beef’s health benefits, noting that obesity and chronic diseases have risen while beef consumption has decreased over 40 years. Advocating for flexible, nutrient-dense diets, they argue that reducing beef intake could harm vulnerable populations like women, children, teens and older adults.

Public comments on the proposed guidelines will be open for 60 days starting December 11.

Read more on the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Committee recommendations here.