The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is speaking out against new recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The committee suggests replacing beef with plant-based proteins like beans, peas, and lentils—a move the NCBA calls “impractical” and “out of touch.”
“This is one of the most chaotic conversations we’ve seen,” said Ethan Lane, NCBA’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “It’s laughable to think beans could replace lean red meat—if it wasn’t so dangerous.”
According to Dr. Shalene McNeill, NCBA’s Executive Director of Nutrition Science, cutting red meat could leave many Americans without essential nutrients. “Beef provides critical nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins,” McNeill said. “It only makes up 5% of our calories but delivers much more in nutrients.”
The NCBA points out that, despite a drop in red meat consumption, chronic diseases like obesity have increased. McNeill also warned that these guidelines could harm vulnerable groups, such as older adults and women of child-bearing age.
The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s recommendations will be used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
NCBA
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