RESPONSE TO USDA/HHS DRAFT GUIDELINES

by Dr. Pamela A. Popper

On Thursday, July 8, a joint committee of the United States Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services heard presentations from many individuals about the report from the Dietary Guidelines Committee concerning new dietary recommendations for Americans. I was one of the people who made a presentation and submitted written comments to the committee. I am often asked if I think this effort pays off, or if the influence of industry and agricultural groups is so strong and the process is so corrupted that it's a waste of time to try.

In my opinion, we must continue to try; remaining silent implies consent. And I do think that in small ways we have already made a difference (the report does recommend that Americans eat more plant food) and that we can continue to do so if we make a commitment to speak out. Showing up is important; it notifies both the government and our opponents that we are watching and monitoring what they are doing.

Here is the written and referenced report which I submitted to the committee.

Article printed with permission from Dr. Pamela A. Popper and taken from Newsletters Vol 8 Issue 29 July 19, 2010. Dr. Popper is the founder and Executive Director of The Wellness Forum, a chain of health and wellness centers located throughout the United States and the Far East.