The difference between the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report and the actual Dietary Guidelines
Jul 21, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) Scientific Report was released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The basis for the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the report is intended for policy makers and health professionals as an outline of how Americans can improve their overall eating patterns for a healthier lifestyle.
“USA Rice made sure the industry’s voice was heard by thoroughly demonstrating the nutritional value of rice, and we’re pleased with the overall report and its implications for rice,” said Cameron Jacobs, USA Rice director of domestic promotion. “We made the case on a number of fronts for the DGAC to advise HHS and USDA that U.S.-grown rice, in all forms, be an integral part of a healthy diet for Americans of all ages.”
Throughout the report’s multi-year review process, USA Rice played an active advisory role attending all DGAC public meetings, working alongside industry coalitions to provide the DGAC with cutting edge research, and orchestrating the written submission of comments to the DGAC by nutrition experts on behalf of rice.
“The current DGAC report provides nutrition recommendations that are largely positive for rice, including increasing whole grain consumption to prevent certain chronic diseases,” said Jacobs. “The report also recommends Americans increase their intake of dietary fiber, and that breastfed infants ages 6-12 months receive foods rich in iron, including fortified cereals.”
The report does recommend limiting refined grains which is unchanged from previous guidelines and recommendations. And, despite a strong push by groups advocating for low-carbohydrate diets, the DGAC said research limitations and lack of a standard definition for a low-carbohydrate diet precluded a formal decision on this eating pattern.
The next phase of the review includes a 30-day public written comment period that closes August 13, and an oral comment opportunity. Should USA Rice be selected to provide oral comments, nutrition expert Julie Miller Jones is scheduled to testify on the organization’s behalf on August 11 as the DGAC completes its final review.
Publication of the final 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is expected later this year or in early 2021.