Sponsored By: The Beef Checkoff 

This Sponsored Satellite Program was originally presented as part of NUTRITION 2022.

Eat less red meat” has proliferated for so long it’s often woven into the fabric of public health guidance. Data clearly show most American adults, on average, eat beef well within daily recommendations. What is not clear and consistent is how red meat consumption is modeled, categorized and classified in nutrition research … from processed to fresh, muscle cuts to ground, and what constitutes “red meat” … yet this clarity is critical for responsible dietary guidance. 

Without accurately understanding consumer consumption habits and the complexity of the category, dietary recommendations are well-intentioned, yet may be misinformed. Moreover, “eat less red meat” guidance can exacerbate shortfall intakes of nutrients readily available in red meat. 

Speakers will address the need for accurate modeling to inform evidence-based dietary patterns, as well as persistent discrepancies with red meat classification and categorization in human nutrition research methodologies and conclusions, and the significant implications public health.

Learning Objectives

• Describe flexibility in dietary modeling, including the impact of disaggregation of meat/poultry item clusters to separate fresh and processed meat
• Describe the need for more nuanced, accurate reporting of meat types, quantities, and descriptions in observational and clinical studies to accurately inform public health recommendations
• Assess current U.S. beef consumption and nutrient contributions to recommend dietary patterns and optimal intakes that support improved health