Attorney General Gentner Drummond has expressed opposition to the dietary recommendations proposed by a Biden-Harris Administration advisory committee. The committee suggested placing meat, poultry, and eggs at the bottom of the list of recommended protein sources.
Drummond, along with 22 other state attorneys general, addressed a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They argued that the committee neglected the advantages of animal-based proteins like beef in maintaining a healthy diet. The committee's task was to update the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans," but they recommended beans, peas, and lentils as primary protein sources.
"Animal-based protein, including meat and eggs, have long been known to contribute to healthy diets," Drummond stated. He added that more calories from beans, peas, or lentils are required to match the protein provided by beef. Drummond expressed hope that President Trump's administration would address what he sees as errors influenced by non-scientific factors.
The letter highlighted that no other food offers as much protein per calorie as beef and other meats. Adequate protein intake is associated with satiety, proper childhood development, combating anemia, and muscle maintenance. Beef also provides essential micronutrients for metabolic functioning, cognitive development, and hormone regulation.
The letter also criticized the Biden-Harris Administration for basing dietary recommendations on "health equity" considerations.
The attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah West Virginia Wyoming joined Drummond in signing the letter.