IFPA responds to new dietary guidelines report

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has welcomed a new US government report highlighting the critical importance of fruits and vegetables in a healthy diet. But it warns that proposals for Americans to reduce their intake of starchy vegetables are misplaced.

The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s (DGAC) Scientific Report is the culmination of nearly two years of work, supported by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

IFPA’s VP for nutrition and health, Mollie Van Lieu, commented: “We deeply appreciate the scientific advisory committee’s tireless work and are pleased to see that the DGAC’s report highlights the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy dietary pattern for all Americans but are concerned by the proposed reduction in starchy vegetables which contribute key nutrients for various populations at different life stages when prepared with minimal or no added sugars, sodium, or saturated fat.

“At a time when Americans are not meeting recommendations for fruits and vegetables, it is critical that the 2025-2030 DGA strengthen recommendations for consumption of nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables”.

IFPA, the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce supply chain, has been fully involved in the process to develop the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) since the start of the project.

Based on nationally representative consumption data, only one in 10 Americans meet the daily dietary recommendations for fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, six in 10 Americans have at least one chronic condition and four in 10 have two or more, many of which are nutrition related.

The DGAC’s Scientific Report will inform the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) which are expected to be released by USDA and HHS in 2025. The DGA set nutrition standards for federal nutrition programmes, like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Programme for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programmes.

“Reversing the nation’s diet-related diseases demands a systemic approach targeted at increasing Americans’ consumption of fruits and vegetables and our members at IFPA are passionate about closing the produce consumption gap,” said Van Lieu. “Through advocacy and consumer engagement, we remain committed to supporting the implementation of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and driving increased fruit and vegetable consumption.”