The Trump administration unveiled a sweeping overhaul of federal nutrition policy on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, introducing new dietary guidelines.
The guidelines aim to reshape the iconic food pyramid and encourage higher consumption of protein and full-fat dairy products.
The new inverted food pyramid graphic was shared at a White House briefing, placing red meat, cheese and vegetables at its broadest and highest level.
The guidelines declare an end to the “war on saturated fat,” instead urging Americans to prefer whole foods and “healthy fats” like olive oil, butter and beef tallow, while strictly limiting ultra-processed foods and added sugars.
Calling the update a historic reset to combat chronic disease, Kennedy said, “My message is clear: eat real food. » A person should consume 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight and three servings of full-fat dairy products daily.
This change received mixed reviews. The American Medical Association has praised the emphasis on limiting processed foods, while the American Heart Association has expressed concerns that the emphasis on red meat and full-fat dairy could lead to excessive consumption of saturated fats.
Nutrition expert Christopher Gardner of Stanford University called the pyramid “disappointing,” arguing that it contradicts decades of evidence.
These guidelines are very important because they play a fundamental role in guiding meals in schools, on military bases and in federal aid programs.
Aside from health concerns, the School Nutrition Association immediately raised concerns about the cost and logistical challenge of reducing processed foods in cafeterias, calling for increased funding from Congress.
What are the health risks associated with eating red meat?
High consumption of red meat is associated with a significantly higher risk of chronic diseases, including colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. The main dangers come from carcinogens formed during high-temperature cooking, oxidative damage of heme iron, and high levels of saturated fat and sodium. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified unprocessed red meat as “probably carcinogenic.”
