From Damian Trippani

Monroe

To the Editor:

Ever since the Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs 1977 Dietary Goals for Americans recommended reduced meat consumption, the meat and dairy lobbies have been battling nutritionists and other health professionals for the dietary soul of the American people. In the just issued Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the meat and dairy lobbies won, with the misguided support of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.,

Since the 1977 report, scores of other scientific studies, involving thousands, have clearly established a strong association between consumption of meat and dairy products and elevated incidences of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer. No credible study has claimed the contrary.

Moreover, if Kennedy is concerned about processed foods, his touting of meat and dairy products is misplaced, as meat and dairy products are plant foods that have been highly processed by the digestive tracts of pigs and cows.

Fortunately, the American public is much more informed and less likely to be deceived by the meat and dairy industry than in 1977. Today, every supermarket offers a rich variety of delightful, delicious, plant-based, eco-friendly main and side dishes, as well as milks, cheeses, and ice creams. Most family restaurants and fast food franchises do as well.