ARLINGTON, VA – USA Rice participated in the first 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) meeting last week hosted by the U.S. Departments of Health & Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA). The public meeting is one of six open to stakeholders as the committee works to develop the next iteration of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) for 2025-2030.
The two-day event kicked off with a welcome by Janet de Jesus of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health for HHS, and introductions to DGAC Chair Sarah Booth and Vice Chair Angela Odoms-Young, as well as the 20 nationally recognized experts in food and nutrition that represent the 2025 DGAC.
After a review of the operations and responsibilities of committee members during the guidelines’ creation process, attendees were presented with an overview of the proposed scientific questions identified by HHS and USDA that will be examined by the DGAC. Information was provided on the evidence-based approaches – systematic reviews, data analysis, and food pattern modeling -- that will be used in reviewing the scientific evidence that will inform the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines.
Meeting organizers also identified the four topics for each stage of life that will be analyzed by committee members as they work to create the new federal recommendations. The topics cover current patterns of food and beverage consumption, current intake of food groups and nutrients, nutrients of public health concern, and the prevalence of nutrition-related chronic health conditions.
“USA Rice works to ensure the rice industry is well represented in national nutrition and food policy discussions and development, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are no different,” said Cameron Jacobs, USA Rice senior director of domestic promotion. “From the start of the 2025-2030 DGA process, USA Rice has been engaged to promote the range of nutritional benefits of domestic rice consumption and position the industry as a valued partner to HHS, USDA, and members of the DGAC. We’re there to ensure that rice is recognized as an important part of healthy dietary patterns in federal food and nutrition policy as well as government feeding programs.”
Prior to the meeting, USA Rice participated in the guidelines development process with the
submission of comments in response to proposed scientific questions, and by providing feedback on advisory committee nominees.
The next meeting of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee will take place May 10, 2023.