Washington, D.C. – The formation of the joint U.S. Department of Agriculture and US Department of Health and Human Services’ 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee marks an important milestone in the process of developing the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). The American Bakers Association, chair of the Grain Chain, a farm to fork coalition of stakeholders through the grain industry sector, welcomes the opportunity to provide strong science-based evidence through public meeting opportunities and written comment to the newly appointed expert panel. ABA and the Grain Chain will advocate on the behalf of the nutritional benefits bread and grain-based products provide in the American diet.
“The Dietary Guidelines is the cornerstone of all Federal nutrition policy and nutrition education guidelines. Providing new emerging research and data in the grain space to the DGA Advisory Committee represents a tremendous opportunity for the baking industry,” said Robb MacKie, President & CEO of the American Bakers Association. “We look forward to engaging with the Advisory Committee to tell the story of how our bakers core products are integral components of a well-balanced and healthy diet.”
Specifically, the American Bakers Association believes the panel should consider the following as they make recommendations:
- Maintaining 6 servings of grains daily is beneficial for optimal health at any life stage.
- Promoting the nutritional benefits of whole grains in the diet.
- Supporting enriched grains as an important source of valuable nutrition for Americans.
- Valuing increased consumer education of enriched grains as a key source of folic acid.
- Highlighting the importance of transparency, and the need to base dietary recommendations on the preponderance of strong scientific evidence.
-American Bakers Association-
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 1,000 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, cookies, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $153 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 799,500 highly skilled people.
