RFK Jr.’s Dietary Guidelines Face Criticism for Conflicts of Interest
The New York Times••nation
Key Points:
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., after becoming health secretary, pledged to eliminate conflicts of interest in federal nutrition guideline panels but the newly released guidelines were influenced by experts with ties to the meat and dairy industries.
- Three of nine panel members had financial relationships with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Board, or dairy industry groups, raising concerns about potential bias.
- The experts did not write the guidelines directly but provided scientific evidence reviews that shaped the recommendations emphasizing protein, meat, cheese, and milk.
- Nutrition experts, including former committee member Marion Nestle, criticized the new panel for repeating the same industry conflicts they had previously condemned.
- The health department defended the guidelines as based on rigorous scientific review and independent oversight
