NCC on Monday urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reject recommendations put forth by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) that emphasize plant-based proteins over lean meats like chicken.
NCC’s comments were submitted in response to the Scientific Report released last December by the DGAC, which makes recommendations to the Departments of Agriculture and HHS as they work to finalize the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans later this year.
Among the recommendations to which NCC took issue was the emphasis of eating beans, peas and lentils as an optimal protein source above chicken, and the fact that there was no specific mention that lean meat, like chicken, can be part of a healthy dietary pattern.
“We believe these recommendations and omissions are harmful for the health of all Americans, especially those who rely on federal feeding programs – such as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – as the Dietary Guidelines directly impact the items that are considered under these programs,” noted Ashley Peterson, Ph.D., NCC senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs.
“Additionally, the Committee provided no scientific fact or justification to support why the protein subgroups need to be reordered to deemphasize lean meats, like chicken,” Peterson added. “Doing this gives the false appearance that plant proteins are nutritionally superior to chicken. Further, the report makes no mention of poultry as part of a healthy dietary pattern.”
In summary, NCC noted that:
- Plant proteins are not nutritionally equivalent to animal proteins from a protein quality and quantity standpoint;
- Nutrients from animal proteins are more bioavailable on a gram per gram basis than plant proteins (iron, zinc, etc);
- There is a sheer lack of scientific justification for why the protein subgroups need to be reordered to deemphasize lean meats and poultry;
- Lean meats like chicken help carry nutrient intakes like potassium and intakes of under consumed food groups like vegetables in the diet;
- The recommendations do not consider the flavor and enjoyment of foods. The versatility of chicken brings both to the table over plant proteins; and
- The recommendations stress flexibility and inclusion to maintain a “healthy equity lens” and to be cognizant of “cultural diets” but their recommendations directly contradict this in terms of emphasizing one protein group over another.
“Combined with its nutritional value, positive health benefits, popularity, versatility, affordability, and environmental sustainability, chicken is a pillar of the protein subgroup which should be reflected in the final 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” Peterson concluded.
NCC’s comments can be read in their entirety by clicking here.
