Overview

• Released last week, the commission estimates adopting the diet could prevent about 40,000 premature deaths each day worldwide and reduce agricultural methane by 15% by 2050.
• The guidance centers on a plate that is half vegetables and fruit, with the rest mostly whole grains and plant proteins, and only small amounts of animal products and added sugar.
• Specific targets include averages of 14 grams of red meat and 29 grams of poultry per day, equal to roughly one small steak or lamb chop per week or two chicken drumsticks.
• Health and environmental experts endorse the approach for lowering risks of heart disease, cancer, and other diet-related illnesses, even as some nutritionists flag needs of vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and young children.
• Coverage also notes organized resistance from pro‑meat networks identified by the Changing Markets Foundation and highlights New Zealand research showing teenage girls trending toward more plant-based eating.