Manhattan, Kansas –Kansas Department of Agriculture recently provided comments on the Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (Report) to United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Human and Health Services Secretary Burwell.
Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey recognized the Report’s proper role of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and dairy in a healthy American diet, however, she specifically addressed the misrepresentation of the nutritional and health benefits of lean, red meat as well as inappropriate treatment of the topic of sustainability.
“We appreciate that the report acknowledges the role of dairy foods as a source of calcium, potassium and Vitamin D,” said McClaskey. “But, the contradictory and confusing dietary information surrounding lean, red meat as well as vilifying modern agricultural practices causes confusion for Americans and can actually do more harm to public health than good. It is our duty to educate our leaders that providing a safe, wholesome food supply while conserving the land and its resources is a priority of all segments of American agriculture.”
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is committed to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusiness, as well as the consumers they serve, while always keeping a top priority on ensuring a safe food supply and promoting public health.
To read the full letter, click here.
