A U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions mark-up of the “Childhood Diabetes Reduction Act,” intended to reduce childhood obesity and diet-related chronic diseases, includes provisions problematic for the meat industry, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) says.
Among other mandates, the childhood diabetes bill defines ultra-processed foods, and it would require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to put labels warning about the health effects of foods that are high in “nutrients of concern” such as saturated fat and sodium.
NPPC has raised concerns about those provisions previously, pointing out in comments to FDA that there is no consensus on what constitutes ultra-processed foods, and coming up with a definition that “incorporates the nuances of food processing and nutrition for the goal of improving public health” would be difficult. NPPC suggests elevating the importance of nutritional composition while protecting processes and ingredients that promote nutrient bioavailability, food safety and shelf-stability.
“NPPC supports efforts to reduce childhood diabetes and obesity while protecting access to affordable, nutrient-dense foods such as pork,” NPPC says in Capital Update. “Federal labeling of, and ‘education’ on, certain foods should distinguish between ultra-processed, calorie-dense products and foundational, nutrient-dense foods that contribute protein, vitamins and minerals to healthy eating patterns.”
Using the term ultra-processed could unintentionally misclassify nutrient-dense foods simply because they are processed and prompt consumers not to eat them, NPPC points out.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) was the lone Democrat to vote against the bill, while Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) voted for its passage.
Pork can be part of a balanced diet and provides high-quality protein, as well as nutrients such as thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, phosphorus and choline.
“Consumer health and safety are priorities of U.S. pork producers, and ensuring Americans have access to nutrient-dense pork will help improve the nation’s nutrition and positively impact health,” NPPC says.
