Dietary Guidelines Under Fire for Favoring Meat and Dairy Over Science

A group of health experts warns that the latest U.S. dietary guidelines risk public health by sidelining science in favor of industry interests.

A new commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association criticizes the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans for prioritizing meat, dairy, and 'bad' fats over evidence-based recommendations to limit these foods.

The authors argue that the guidelines ignore the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee's advice to emphasize plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Dr. Neal Barnard said:

"The Dietary Guidelines dangerously promote animal products, the biggest cause of chronic disease. They must be revamped to eliminate industry influence and comport with science, which shows the healthiest diet is one that focuses on plants."

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine filed a petition on Jan. 8 demanding the 2025–2030 guidelines be withdrawn due to 'rampant industry influence,' including ties to the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Dairy Council, and National Pork Board.

Of nine authors of the scientific report underlying the guidelines, at least seven had industry ties, including funding or compensation from meat and dairy groups.

The commentary states that poor diet—high in sodium, saturated fat, animal protein, and added sugar—is the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. surpassing tobacco and inactivity. No independent expert commentary was included in the source.

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