WASHINGTON — Several meat and poultry trade groups filed comments with the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) criticizing the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report.

The committee’s report recommends replacing red meat consumption with plant-based proteins — a suggestion that the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) believes would lead to “several significant nutrient gaps and deficiencies.” NPPC voiced concern for the risk such a move might place on infants, young children, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, and older adults, who all require higher amounts of protein and nutrients found in animal-based proteins.

“While US pork producers are committed to supporting human health and nutrition with safe, wholesome and nutritious protein, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s recommendations do not,” said Rob Brenneman, NPPC vice president and pork producer from Washington, Iowa. “The health of our nation is at risk, as these guidelines inform all federal nutrition programs — including those affecting our schoolchildren and the military — and provide recommendations to health professionals.”

With the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s report being sent to HHS and the US Department of Agriculture, who will then finalize the Dietary Guidelines, the meat and poultry industry is urging the agencies to consider the impact such recommendations could have on the health of consumers.

The National Chicken Council (NCC) took issue with the fact that no mention was made of lean meat, like chicken, as a part of a healthy dietary pattern, and that beans, peas and lentils were placed as an optimal protein source.

“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,” said Ashley Peterson, senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at NCC.

Peterson added that the committee provided no scientific justification to support the reordering of protein subgroups. NCC noted that nutrients from animal proteins are more bioavailable on a gram per gram basis than plant proteins and that lean meats help carry nutrient intakes like potassium and intakes of under consumed food groups like vegetables in the diet.

“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 said.

NCC’s complete comments can be found here.

Similarly, the Meat Institute called on the USDA and HHS to include meat and poultry as part of a healthy American diet.

“The committee’s scientific report contains contradictory and confusing findings,” said Susan Backus, Meat Institute president vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs. “Meat and poultry products are nutrient dense foods that help Americans meet their essential amino acid and nutrient requirements and yet the report recommends a reduction in red and processed meats.

“When 95% of Americans eat meat, it is important to provide clear dietary guidance to consumers on how they can include the meat products they love in their diets and also produce a positive, measurable health impact.”

The Meat Institute said it is extremely concerned that consumers will inaccurately perceive meat and poultry products as poor dietary choices, which may lead to a variety of unintended consequences, including nutritional deficiencies in certain sub-populations. The association pointed out that protein is critical for developing, maintaining and repairing strong muscles; it’s vital for growth and brain development in children; and it’s important in preventing muscle loss during aging.

The committee’s report found that iron is a nutrient of public health concern for adolescent females, women between 20 and 29 years old, and individuals who are pregnant. Additionally, individuals over one year old were reported to consume below the nutrient intake requirements for dietary protein, dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and more. Noting these deficiencies, the Meat Institute advocated for inclusion of nutrient dense foods like meat and poultry products in the dietary guidelines.

“Guidance should focus on improving dietary habits within the foods Americans already consume; not the idealistic recommendations that will likely never be implemented because they may not be achievable or may be too confusing or expensive,” Backus added as another critique.

In its comments to HSS, the Meat Institute also requested additional scientific disciplines like food scientists be represented on the 2030 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.

The advisory committee released a draft of its report in October 2024, which received backlash at the time from meat and poultry trade groups, including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). The final recommendations were published in December 2024. Soon after, NCBA and the Meat Institute declared their opposition to the findings in the report.