The appropriations bill calls for the USDA, within 30 days, to hire the National Academy of Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study that includes an analysis of how the Dietary Guidelines can better prevent chronic disease, how evidence is assembled and evaluated, and whether a full range of scientific viewpoints are considered.
“At a minimum, the process should include: full transparency, a lack of bias, and the inclusion and consideration of all of the latest available research and scientific evidence, even that which challenges current dietary recommendations,” according to the language accompanying the measure.
An HHS spokesperson said that the agency is required to release the guidelines by Jan. 31 and that they will meet that revised deadline. “We are making final preparations, and after consideration, determined that the best time to release the new dietary guidelines was January, given Americans’ focus on healthy eating and exercise around the New Year,” the HHS spokesperson said.