Online Program

Oral

Every five years, the USDA establishes Dietary Guidelines for Americans, presenting an updated synthesis of scientific evidence regarding the dietary choices most likely to result in a healthy society. To date, these guidelines have considered only the nutritional health of individuals, but have included no information about the dietary patterns most likely to result in a well-nourished and food-secure population over the long term. For the first time, in 2015, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) that synthesizes the science and provides advice to USDA in this process, has reviewed the evidence on sustainable diets. This scientific session will bring together four experts to discuss the background to this process; the evidence regarding sustainable diets; a case study of one area where nutritional and sustainability goals exist in tension; and the ways industry has attempted to influence the conversation and process. This session represents a cross-section collaboration between members of the Food and Nutrition and Environment sections, through the Food and Environment Working Group.

Session Objectives: Describe in general how considerations of sustainability change or broaden the perspective of dietary guidance. Describe key elements of sustainable diets for which evidence is sufficient for inclusion in the dietary guidelines • List three key changes that could be made to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to address the tension between limited seafood supplies and nutrition goals. Describe ways industry has sought to influence the dietary guidelines process and content.