Overview
- HHS and USDA released the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines removing the one‑drink‑for‑women, two‑for‑men limits and advising reduced alcohol intake, while urging abstinence for pregnant people, those in recovery, and people on certain medications.
- At the White House announcement, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz called alcohol a "social lubricant" and said the takeaway is "don't have it for breakfast," while noting the best case is not to drink.
- For the first time the alcohol advice was developed on a separate track informed by conflicting research, including a Biden‑era analysis finding risks from even one daily drink and a Congress‑commissioned review tying moderate use to lower all‑cause mortality.
- Alcohol trade groups praised the moderation message as public‑health advocates warned the vaguer language could encourage heavier drinking, pointing to WHO’s stance that cancer risks start with any consumption.
- House Oversight Chair James Comer released a staff report attacking the prior ICCPUD panel as biased and duplicative, highlighting ongoing political fights over how alcohol science is used in federal guidance.