U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced that the revised U.S. Dietary Guidelines, developed in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, will be released in December 2023. As this date approaches, holiday hosts across the nation are grappling with the implications of evolving food policies, which increasingly influence what is served at family gatherings.
The Dietary Guidelines are updated every five years and have often stirred controversy. Notably, past revisions have included the removal of the widely criticized food pyramid and instances of questionable dietary advice. For example, in the 1980s, Americans were encouraged to reduce saturated fats and meat consumption in favor of carbohydrates. The food pyramid, introduced in 1992, further pushed the narrative of limiting animal fats while promoting high bread and cereal consumption. Despite these recommendations, obesity rates surged, leading experts like David Katz of the Yale School of Medicine to assert that the shift replaced fats with unhealthy low-fat processed foods.
Kennedy Jr. has criticized the current state of America’s food system, claiming it is “poisoning” the public with overly processed additives. He advocates for a higher intake of saturated fats, even suggesting turkey deep-fried in beef tallow as a viable option. His promise of a concise four to six-page guideline contrasts starkly with previous versions that often exceeded hundreds of pages. Critics have pointed out that the current guidelines already include a four-page consumer brochure alongside the full report. Nutritionists have predicted “substantial chaos” in response to these anticipated changes as families prepare their holiday meals.
As food policy becomes increasingly politicized, all levels of American government are asserting influence over dietary choices. In New York City, mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani proposed government-run grocery stores as a solution to food insecurity. Critics argue that such measures would further politicize food access, with government entities deciding what products are available. While some urban progressives may support this notion, questions arise about whether they would trust individuals like Kennedy Jr. or similar officials to dictate their food options.
Additionally, New York City progressives have introduced various food-related policies. A recent city council bill requires restaurants to label high-sugar and high-salt items on their menus. This regulation has been in place for larger chain restaurants for years, yet evidence suggests it has little impact on consumer choices.
Controversies surrounding food politics are not limited to progressive states. In Florida, government agencies are divided on the advisability of raw milk consumption. States like Texas, Alabama, and North Carolina are also exploring bans on lab-grown meat products. In a time when culinary experiences are seen as bridges to understanding, as noted by celebrity chef José Andrés, the intersection of food and politics remains contentious.
As the holiday season approaches in 2023, it appears that even the shared meal, a traditional symbol of unity, is not immune to the complexities of political influence. The evolving landscape of dietary guidelines and food policy continues to shape not only what Americans eat but also how they perceive the intersection of health, government, and personal choice.
