WASHINGTON — Before eating steak, the nation's top nutrition panel is asking consumers to consider the environment.
A Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report was slammed by meat companies but praised by environmental groups after recommending Americans eat less red meat and more plants -- in part because of concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and energy, land and water use.
"Promoting healthy diets that also are more environmentally sustainable now will conserve resources for present and future generations, ensuring that the U.S. population has access to a diet that is healthy as well as sustainable and secure in the future," the report said.
The Thursday report is important to both sides because it becomes the basis by which the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services develops the government's recommended diet. That affects school lunches, food assistance and MyPlate, the food pyramid replacement.
Nutritionists said limiting red meat is sound advice -- regardless of environmental concerns -- though eating it in moderation provides some health benefits.
"There are an increasing number of studies that show that a diet based on plant foods and less red meats is a healthier diet," said Rosemary Rodibaugh, a professor of nutrition at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. "That said, red meat has health benefits as well. It's the best source of dietary iron and a great source of protein."
Nutritionists also said the environment is important to consider, although perhaps unrelated to nutrition.
"I think it's confusing enough," said David Rath, former nutrition chief for the Arkansas Department of Health and current owner of a nutrition practice in Little Rock. "Sustainability is an important issue, but I think it should be a separate issue from nutrition."
The U.S. meat industry took a more active stance over the inclusion. The North American Meat Institute, National Cattleman's Beef Association and National Pork Board released statements slamming the advisory committee's report.