New dietary guidelines introduced by US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr have drawn criticism from health and environmental experts. The updated food pyramid prioritises animal-based proteins, including red meat and cheese high in saturated fats, over plant-based alternatives.
Dr Cheryl Anderson, a board member of the American Heart Association, said the visual representation contradicts the written recommendation to keep saturated fat intake below 10% of total calories. 'I think it will be a challenge,' she noted, calling the message confusing for the public.
Environmental campaigners have also expressed alarm. Chloë Waterman of Friends of the Earth pointed out that Americans already consume more protein than recommended, and that increasing meat intake would exacerbate deforestation and methane emissions. 'Beef and lamb have particularly high methane emissions,' she said, adding that a shift towards plant-based foods would benefit both health and the planet.
The concise 10-page document, replacing hundreds of pages in previous editions, lacks clarity according to Waterman, who suspects an attempt to appease both health experts and the 'Make America healthy again' movement. The guidelines' impact on school lunches is a particular concern, as the USDA must implement changes that could increase meat servings beyond safe saturated fat limits.
