Americans are not eating as much meat as they used to. Price is certainly a major reason. But people also say there are other reasons, such as health and ethics.
For the first time, a group of advisers to the United States Department of Agriculture is suggesting that Americans consider the environment when making healthy food choices. This suggestion has caused some debate.
Every five years, the United States Department of Agriculture issues Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines are based on updated nutritional science.
Janet Riley is a top official with the trade group, North American Meat Institute.
She says the department’s suggestions, or recommendations, affect some of the most vulnerable people in America: those who depend on school lunches and federal programs for older people, women and children.
"And these are some of our most vulnerable populations who need the protein and the vitamins and minerals that are in meat and poultry."
The advisory report is open for public review. Some parts of it have caused debate. The part causing the most debate is the report’s link between healthy food choices and environmental sustainability.