The Biden-Harris administration is preparing to release dietary guidelines that will recommend plant-based proteins over red meat, but these recommendations are expected to be withheld until after the election. This timing has raised suspicions that the administration may be concerned about potential backlash from voters who view meat as an important part of their diet.
The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, appointed by the Biden-Harris administration, has discussed plans to elevate plant-based proteins like beans, peas, and lentils above traditional sources such as beef and chicken. Harvard nutritionist and committee member Deirdre Tobias referred to this as a way to address a “branding crisis” around protein. She and other committee members argued that rethinking protein in plant-based terms could shift public perception.
Biden-Harris diet panel to elevate plant proteins over meat in snub to farm voters https://t.co/5XNuF5kHjh
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) October 31, 2024
Industry leaders in agriculture have reacted strongly, warning that the planned guidelines ignore the nutritional role of red meat. Shalene McNeill of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association argued that red meat is critical for meeting essential dietary needs and provides key nutrients not readily found in plant-based foods. Bryan Humphreys, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council, warned that if Americans shift to plant proteins, they may lose out on the nutrient density found in meat.
These guidelines, while advisory, are influential, shaping nutrition programs in schools, federal dietary standards, and even medical advice. The decision to delay the release has fueled speculation that the administration is holding back the announcement to avoid controversy as voters head to the polls.
This proposed shift aligns with broader environmental goals, as reducing meat consumption is considered a strategy to lower carbon emissions. Former presidential climate envoy John Kerry recently highlighted the agriculture sector’s emissions as a key issue in climate policy. However, many Americans see red meat as central to their diet and have expressed concern that such policies could be out of touch with traditional eating habits.
Critics argue the delay reflects an awareness that the guidelines could be unpopular and that the administration may prefer to wait until after the election to minimize political fallout.
