The US Dairy Industry is heavily engaged in the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) Dietary Guidelines Process, pushing for federal policy to recognize the nutritional benefits of dairy fat and reflect current consumer purchasing habits.
The US dairy industry is maintaining a vigilant watch and actively engaging in discussions surrounding the potential evolution of federal agricultural and nutritional policy, particularly concerning the “Making America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative. Gregg Doud, President of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), emphasized that the underlying conversation represents a major shift in how the nation defines human nutrition. A core component of this debate centers on moving consumers away from “ultra-processed” foods, a concept that industry leaders are closely monitoring for its ultimate definition and policy implications.
A key point of advocacy for the dairy sector in this evolving policy landscape is the positive reappraisal of dairy fat. Doud firmly asserted a growing recognition within the nutrition community that dairy fat is beneficial, not harmful. He described it as essential “brain food” and a “critical thing that helps your body function,” pushing for the new federal dietary guidelines to align with this scientific understanding and publicly acknowledge the nutritional value of full-fat and reduced-fat dairy products.
Doud expects future federal policy to be more reflective of actual consumer behavior and purchasing patterns witnessed in the retail environment. He highlighted that when observing grocery store shelves, fluid milk varieties like whole milk and 2% milk account for the “vast majority of the shelf space.” This observation leads to the crucial conclusion that consumers are already making informed choices based on what they believe is nutritious for their families and children, a reality that the guidelines are urged to mirror.
The NMPF President’s comments underscore a broader trend within the current administration’s health messaging, which favors Whole Foods and aims to reduce consumption of highly processed items. For the dairy industry, ensuring that dairy products—especially those retaining beneficial components like fat—are correctly positioned within this “back-to-basics” nutrition strategy is paramount. This engagement is vital to prevent outdated guidance from hindering the market for nutritious dairy products.
Ultimately, the goal for dairy producers is to secure federal dietary guidelines that are not only scientifically sound regarding dairy fat but also grounded in market reality. The industry is working to ensure that the official recommendations reflect “what was really going on in the real world,” where products like 2% and whole milk are consumer staples. This political and informational engagement is crucial for maintaining and growing consumer confidence in dairy as a foundational part of a healthy diet.
Source: Find the complete report on dairy industry involvement in MAHA at AgInfo.net.
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