Cattlemen Carry Beef’s Nutrition and Safety Message to D.C.

Americans are undernourished, NCBA representatives told USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Undersecretary Eric Bost in an April 11 meeting in Washington, D.C.  “We’d like to see more emphasis placed on the role of beef’s nutrients in healthful diets as the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are drafted,” said Wade Zimmerman, a cattleman from Sugar City, Colo.  Zimmerman is chairman of the Joint Industry Nutrition and Health Committee.  More than 250 cattlemen April 9-11 convened in Washington as part of the NCBA Spring Legislative Conference.

 Too many school-aged children are missing out on key nutrients, like the zinc and iron readily found in beef, Zimmerman said, telling USDA officials that these nutrients affect their ability to learn.

 “We all want America’s youth to be as healthy as possible,” said NCBA Associate Director of Food Policy Leah Wilkinson to Bost.  “Many children’s diets are lacking the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.  Including beef in the diet can provide many of these essential nutrients.” 

She added NCBA is committed to providing factual and up-to-date information to consumers about beef.  “A healthy diet for Americans of all ages includes items from each of the food groups in reasonable portions, and exercise.”

 Bost told cattlemen that USDA’s approach to healthy eating includes balance, moderation and physical activity.

 The beef industry can help ensure that beef is included in dietary recommendations by getting beef’s nutrition messages out, said Bost. As the federal government moves forward with developing the 2005 Dietary Guidelines, the health and safety of foods will be Bost’s first priority.

 During the meeting, cattlemen shared updated data on beef’s nutrient profile, as well as information on beef food safety research and consumer education efforts. 

USDA and Health and Human Services released the fifth edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in 2000.  The Guidelines are designed to help Americans lead healthier lives and are updated every five years. NCBA will work to ensure beef receives careful consideration as the Guidelines are developed.