The integrity of the Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guideline Advisory Committee is being questioned by a Nutrition Group. That group alleges the committee isn’t following scientific guidelines as they put together their recommendations for the 2020 guidelines that are due at the end of the year. National Cattlemen’s Beef Associations Executive Director of Government Affairs Danielle Beck says it’s critical the advisory committee base their decisions on good science but that they’re doing the best they can so far.

The Director of Consumer and Nutrition information for the South Dakota Beef Industry Council Holly Swee says while they’re not involved in policy discussions, says the research from the Beef Checkoff is a good source for the advisory group to access before they make their final decision.

Beck says the public will have several opportunities to make their views known to the advisory group starting this July.

Beck says the most up to date scientific evidence shows beef is an important part of a healthy diet and that needs to be recognized by the advisory committee.

The dietary guidelines are issued only once every five years.