In “Dietary Guidelines Become Mired in Row Over Alcohol Safety,” Lia DeGroot explores the contentious debate surrounding a pending HHS study that could influence the 2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans—and potentially shift how alcohol consumption is perceived nationwide. The study, led by a committee focused on underage drinking, faces calls for suspension from lawmakers and industry leaders citing concerns over transparency and jurisdiction. Bipartisan voices like Reps. Mike Thompson and Dan Newhouse caution that the process could erode public trust. Meanwhile, with new research indicating that even moderate alcohol consumption may pose health risks, the industry is bracing for the potential of stricter guidelines.
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Dietary guidelines become mired in row over alcohol safety |
Lawmakers and industry players are asking the Department of Health and Human Services to put a stop to a controversial study on alcohol and health that could inform the next round of U.S. nutrition recommendations. Specifically, they’re taking issue with a committee housed within HHS’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration focused on underage drinking. The committee has plans to draft a report compiling research on alcohol intake and health, which HHS plans to use to inform the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the comprehensive document updated every five years with recommendations on how Americans should eat and drink for a healthy lifestyle. HHS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are currently drafting new guidelines for 2025 to 2030 and plan to publish them by the end of 2025. ... |