2023 DGA Committee Meeting & Updates for the Dairy Community

On September 12–13, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hosted the third meeting of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The first day featured oral testimony from public commenters, and the second day included presentations by subcommittees with updates on progress to date on the evidence review that will inform the scientific report. 

Key Takeaways:

• Data was shared on current food and beverage consumption in the United States and showed that dairy intake is below Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations. The advisory committee noted that dairy consumption among U.S. adolescents has decreased since 2003.
• The numerous positive health benefits of dairy foods were shared prominently. Testimony from representatives across the dairy community amplified the science on dairy’s unique food matrix and nutrient package, including its contributions to healthy eating patterns and reduced risk of diet-related chronic diseases.
• Several commenters critiqued dairy foods’ role in Dietary Guidelines recommendations and advocated for a shift toward plant-based dietary patterns. Many of these comments challenged the cultural relevance and appropriateness of dairy foods and questioned dairy’s health-promoting benefits, referencing saturated fat content in particular.
• The advisory committee presented a new draft protocol on modifying the Dairy food group to provide greater flexibility for Americans’ cultural and personal preferences. We will monitor this draft closely, looking at where it presents opportunities or potential threats for dairy.
• In addition, the advisory committee shared its scientific protocol for the question on sources of saturated fat and cardiovascular disease outcomes, which could open the opportunity for changing advice around higher fat dairy.

Next Steps:

The advisory committee will continue the evidence review process and will share new systematic review findings at the next meeting on January 25, 2024.

Dairy Council of California will continue to engage in future meetings and throughout the process, providing dairy nutrition science translation that advocates for milk and dairy foods’ role in healthy eating patterns. As we continue to follow the process, we will keep you apprised of the updates and milestones of the Dietary Guidelines and implications for dairy. 

Dairy Council of CA Continuation Hearing 2023 Held

On September 6, 2023, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) successfully held a virtual public hearing for the continuation of Dairy Council of CA. Thank you to all our supporters who shared testimony during the process. We will plan to share the results from the hearing when CDFA makes its decision, within 60 days of the meeting.

FDA to Hold Virtual Public Meeting and Listening Sessions on Strategies to Reduce Consumption of Added Sugars in the United States

On November 6–8, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration, in collaboration with other federal partners, will host a virtual public meeting followed by virtual public listening sessions to discuss strategies for reducing consumption of added sugars in the United States. This dialogue presents an opportunity for the dairy community to share innovations that have been made in reducing added sugars, such as with flavored milk in schools.

More meeting specifics, including information on how to register for the virtual meeting and listening sessions, will be made available on the meeting page.

USDA Launches Milk Loss Program

The USDA has announced Milk Loss Program assistance for eligible dairy operations for milk that was dumped or removed, without compensation, from the commercial milk market due to qualifying weather events and the consequences of those weather events that inhibited delivery or storage of milk (e.g., power outages, impassable roads, infrastructure losses, etc.) during calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022. Read more here.

Dairy Processing Webinar to Address Dairy’s Role in Health and Wellness

Join Dairy Processing for a live webinar on Wednesday, September 20, at 11 a.m. PDT to learn about dairy protein’s role in maintaining health, the importance of consumer education, and how processors can leverage dairy’s inherent nutritional value. The webinar speakers include Dairy Council of CA’s Nutrition and Industry Affairs Officer, Ashley Rosales. Register for the webinar here.

Save the Date for California Dairy Sustainability Summit

The next California Dairy Sustainability Summit will take place March 26, 2024, at the UC Davis Conference Center. The summit will highlight progress, policies and partnerships that support the advancement of planet-smart dairy farm practices and dairy’s important role in healthy, sustainable food systems. More information about the program and sponsorship opportunities is coming soon. Read the media release to learn more about the exciting progress being made on California's family dairy farms and the topics to be addressed during the 2024 program.

Spotlight on Dairy Nutrition Research and Media

• Trying to Lose Weight? Why Full-Fat Dairy May Help You Hit Your Goal. In a Today.com story, guidelines from USDA have encouraged consumption of low-fat and fat-free dairy products for decades, but does the science back this up?
• The Dairy Community Assists Food Banks in Building a Successful Food System. U.S. dairy is committed to fighting hunger. From nutritious dairy foods to community partnerships, the dairy community is making a vital impact to help nourish neighbors in need.
• New research: The Relationship Between Whole-Milk Dairy Foods and Metabolic Health Highlights an Opportunity for Dietary Fat Recommendations to Evolve With the State of the Science. Read the study here.

If you have questions, concerns or feedback you would like to share, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,
Amy DeLisio, CEO
Dairy Council of California
adelisio@DairyCouncilofCA.org