On Jan. 7, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, released a new food pyramid, a visual representation of the healthy proportions of each food group.
RFK’s newer version of the food pyramid completely contradicts former first lady Michelle Obama’s, which is where the issue begins.
Instead of Obama’s “My Plate” construct where each food group was appropriately proportioned and represented on a plate rather than a pyramid, RFK created an inverted pyramid that almost completelyswapped the recommended proportions and prioritizations for each food group.
His new pyramid primarily focuses on protein (such as raw/red meats), and full fat dairy products. This prioritization of protein might not benefit the American people however, because it could lead to protein overconsumption, causing heart and kidney issues.
The new pyramid also failed to emphasize any plant-based forms of protein, which many cultures rely on. Without representation, these types of diets will have difficulty being acknowledged or prioritized in work and school settings.
RFK also featured never been added items within his food pyramid, including raw milk. Raw milk, unlike the average pasteurized option available at grocery stores, can pose serious risks due to the harmful pathogens and bacteria, which can lead to illnesses such as listeria in pregnant women, E. coli in children, or bird flu contracted directly from the cow.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “In September 2006 in California, two children developed HUS from drinking raw milk contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. Three weeks later, four more children acquired the same infection from raw milk or raw colostrum produced by the same dairy (CDC).”
RFK’s downplay on the importance of pasteurization within milk to remove to harmful pathogens could seriously hurt the American people and put them at risk.
This inaccurate display of nutrition will also no doubt create harm to school districts. Many schools are already nervous about the financial stretch this will put on school lunches, which might have to be altered to fit the new nutrition standards. However, nothing has been said about whether any assistance will be given to these schools, if they have to alter school lunches.
Alexina Cather, Director of Policy and Special Projects at Wellness in the Schools, says “While this is ultimately a positive thing, to increase whole foods for students, just dropping it on school districts to do further by themselves without additional funding and additional training is really unfair, (ABC News 10)”
The proportions of each food group and the types of food and milk offered during lunches could possibly be altered, changing the diets of many kids and teens. The new official food recommendations shown in the pyramid are undoubtedly going to harm the health of the people in the U.S.
