Overview
- HHS and USDA introduced an inverted food pyramid that prioritizes protein and full‑fat dairy over grains, raising protein targets to roughly 1.2–1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight and maintaining a 10% cap on saturated fat.
- The guidance urges cutting ultra‑processed foods and added sugars and removes prior numeric daily alcohol limits, advising people to minimize drinking.
- Animal‑based proteins, including red meat, are emphasized over plant proteins, with cautions about potential nutrient gaps in vegetarian and vegan diets.
- The American Heart Association welcomes parts of the update yet warns the approach could drive sodium and saturated‑fat intake above recommended limits.
- Federal nutrition programs, including school meals and other feeding initiatives, will be updated to reflect the new guidance, while critics highlight alleged ties between reviewers and meat and dairy interests.