{"id":1815,"date":"2026-03-20T22:27:01","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T22:27:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/?p=1815"},"modified":"2026-03-20T22:27:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T22:27:01","slug":"between-science-and-industry-experts-challenge-the-new-us-food-pyramid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/california-black-media\/between-science-and-industry-experts-challenge-the-new-us-food-pyramid\/","title":{"rendered":"Between Science and Industry: Experts Challenge the New US Food Pyramid\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a panel convened by American Community Media (ACoM), specialists in nutrition and environmental science scrutinized the newly unveiled US food guide. While recognizing advancements such as a decrease in ultra-processed foods, they cautioned against the heightened emphasis on protein, the sway of industry interests, and the insufficient attention to issues of inequality and sustainability. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amid an environment where food choices are increasingly politicized, the recent introduction of the new food pyramid in the United States has sparked a discourse that transcends mere nutrition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is this revision grounded in scientific research or shaped by economic motivations? That pivotal question arose during the virtual panel organized by American Community Media (ACoM), featuring experts in public health, nutrition, and sustainability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moderated by health editor Sunita Sohrabji, the discussion presented insights from researcher and nutrition professor Marion Nestle, medicine professor Christopher Gardner, and environmental advocate Sailesh Rao, who evaluated the 2025\u20132030 dietary guidelines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new pyramid not only reorganizes food categories but also redefines how a nutritious diet is conceptualized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast to earlier models, this iteration reverses the traditional structure: it elevates protein, whole dairy, and healthy fats, while demoting grains to a subordinate position. Although it advises against the intake of sugars and ultra-processed foods, the emphasis on protein quickly prompted inquiries among the panelists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A pyramid that conveys more than it clarifies <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christopher Gardner, a professor at Stanford University, was among the first to caution that the visual alteration of the pyramid might be more symbolic than substantive. \u201cI actually regard the flipping of the pyramid to be a sensationalist strategy,\u201d he remarked, suggesting that the reversal of the model seeks to project a dramatic departure that may not be firmly rooted in evidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Gardner, many recommendations mirror those of previous iterations, yet the graphic representation could foster misinterpretations regarding which foods should take precedence. He specifically warned that situating grains at the bottom of an inverted pyramid could imply that they should be consumed less frequently, even though the guidelines advocate otherwise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protein as a Questioned Priority <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This confusion becomes particularly pronounced with respect to protein, which now stands as the central pillar of the new dietary pyramid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gardner made a strong point on this matter: \u201cProtein has never been a nutrient of concern.\u201d In essence, there is no significant protein deficiency prevalent within the American population that warrants its elevated status in the new guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marion Nestle, professor emerita of nutrition at New York University, echoed this critique, but she elevated it to a more systemic level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cProtein is being added to everything\u2026 that is a matter of marketing,\u201d she asserted. For Nestle, the surge in protein-fortified products -from snacks to beverages- does not arise from a nutritional necessity, but rather reflects a tactic by the food industry to brand certain items as healthier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between Lobbying and Food Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The panelists delved into the impact of economic interests on the formulation of dietary guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gardner directly confronted the issue when commenting on the role of lobbying: \u201cWe have really powerful lobbyists in dairy and beef\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his view, the involvement of these industries in the policymaking arena is unavoidable, but it should be conducted transparently. Nestl\u00e9, on the other hand, critiqued the framework from an institutional standpoint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She pointed out that, in contrast to earlier decades, the scientific committee responsible for evaluating the evidence now fulfills a merely advisory capacity, while final decisions rest with government agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe process is dominated by commercial interests,\u201d she asserted, highlighting that the recommendations do not solely reflect public health considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This conflict is also mirrored in the emphasis on individual responsibility that permeates the new guidelines. According to Nestl\u00e9, the government’s message is unequivocal: to educate the public so they can make informed choices. However, she believes this approach is insufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEducation is not enough to change dietary behavior,\u201d she cautioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating healthy is also influenced by accessibility. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nestl\u00e9 highlighted that not everyone operates under the same circumstances when it comes to maintaining a nutritious diet. \u201cYou may not have time to cook\u2026 you may not have a grocery store,\u201d he remarked, referencing the harsh realities characterized by limited time, resources, or availability of fresh produce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In such a landscape, ultra-processed foods often transcend mere preference, becoming a necessity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the panel acknowledged the beneficial emphasis of recent guidelines aimed at reducing sugars and ultra-processed foods, experts concurred that addressing this dilemma requires more than just recommendations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI love the push for\u2026 eliminating sugar and ultra-processed foods,\u201d Gardner affirmed. Nevertheless, Nestl\u00e9 cautioned that the issue stems from the economic framework of the food system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUltra-processed foods are incredibly profitable,\u201d he revealed, noting that their ongoing presence is a direct result of this profitability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nutritional guidelines have tangible effects in environments like schools, where food programs are mandated to adhere to these recommendations. Gardner emphasized that this is one of the rare areas where policies exert a direct influence but cautioned that their execution encounters considerable obstacles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve always been hamstrung by insufficient funding,\u201d he said, underscoring that without adequate resources, enhancing the quality of food offered to students remains a challenge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Absent Dimension: Environmental Impact <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discussion shifted when environmentalist Sailesh Rao introduced a critical aspect overlooked by the guidelines: the environmental consequences of food production. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEnvironmental impact\u2026 is deliberately excluded,\u201d he contended, suggesting that this oversight is not mere happenstance. Rao articulated that the prevailing food system is intricately tied to the climate crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Beef produces 60 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions for every pound consumed, while lentils contribute less than one,” he articulated, emphasizing the stark contrast between animal-based and plant-based food products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this context, he introduced a conceptual framework that expands the conversation: the notion of \u201cPlanet A\u201d versus \u201cPlanet B.\u201d The former embodies the existing system predicated on resource extraction and profit maximization, while the latter envisions a sustainable alternative. \u201cThis is Planet A\u2026 fueling the polycrisis,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In line with this perspective, Rao championed the shift towards plant-based diets as a comprehensive remedy. He posited that humans do not require animal products for optimal health, contending that essential nutrients can be obtained through plant sources alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, he underscored that foods like legumes, fruits, and vegetables are not only more accessible and healthier but also far more sustainable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The discussion concluded with a clear message: the dialogue surrounding the new food pyramid transcends a simplistic enumeration of recommended foods. Rather, it unveils a multifaceted framework where science, politics, economics, and environmental concerns intersect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entre la ciencia y la industria: expertos cuestionan la nueva pir\u00e1mide alimentaria de EE.UU.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

En un panel organizado por American Community Media (ACoM), especialistas en nutrici\u00f3n y medio ambiente analizaron la nueva gu\u00eda alimentaria estadounidense. Aunque reconocieron avances como la reducci\u00f3n de ultraprocesados, advirtieron sobre el \u00e9nfasis en la prote\u00edna, la influencia de la industria y la falta de enfoque en desigualdad y sostenibilidad.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

En un contexto donde las decisiones sobre alimentaci\u00f3n se vuelven cada vez m\u00e1s pol\u00edticas, el reciente anuncio de la nueva pir\u00e1mide alimentaria en Estados Unidos ha abierto un debate que va mucho m\u00e1s all\u00e1 de la nutrici\u00f3n. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00bfSe trata de una actualizaci\u00f3n basada en evidencia cient\u00edfica o de un cambio influido por intereses econ\u00f3micos? Esa fue la pregunta que atraves\u00f3 el panel virtual organizado por American Community Media (ACoM), en el que participaron especialistas en salud p\u00fablica, nutrici\u00f3n y sostenibilidad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

El encuentro, moderado por la editora de salud Sunita Sohrabji, reuni\u00f3 a la profesora experta en nutrici\u00f3n Marion Nestle, el profesor de medicina Christopher Gardner y el ambientalista Sailesh Rao para analizar las nuevas gu\u00edas alimentarias 2025\u20132030. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

La nueva pir\u00e1mide no solo reorganiza alimentos, sino que tambi\u00e9n reconfigura la forma en que se entiende una dieta saludable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A diferencia de modelos anteriores, esta versi\u00f3n invierte la estructura tradicional: prioriza prote\u00ednas, l\u00e1cteos enteros y grasas saludables, mientras desplaza los granos a un lugar secundario. Aunque tambi\u00e9n desincentiva el consumo de az\u00facares y alimentos ultraprocesados, el \u00e9nfasis en la prote\u00edna gener\u00f3 r\u00e1pidamente cuestionamientos entre los panelistas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Una pir\u00e1mide que comunica m\u00e1s de lo que explica<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christopher Gardner, profesor de la Universidad de Stanford, fue uno de los primeros en advertir que el cambio visual de la pir\u00e1mide podr\u00eda ser m\u00e1s simb\u00f3lico que sustancial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018\u2018En realidad, considero que invertir la pir\u00e1mide es un enfoque sensacionalista\u2019\u2019, se\u00f1al\u00f3, sugiriendo que la inversi\u00f3n del modelo busca transmitir una ruptura radical que no necesariamente se sostiene en la evidencia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Para Gardner, muchas de las recomendaciones contin\u00faan siendo similares a versiones anteriores, pero la representaci\u00f3n gr\u00e1fica podr\u00eda inducir interpretaciones err\u00f3neas sobre qu\u00e9 alimentos deben priorizarse. En particular, advirti\u00f3 que colocar los granos en la base inferior de una pir\u00e1mide invertida puede dar la impresi\u00f3n de que deben consumirse menos, a pesar de que el texto de las gu\u00edas indica lo contrario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

La prote\u00edna como prioridad cuestionada<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Esa confusi\u00f3n se vuelve especialmente relevante en torno a la prote\u00edna, convertida en eje central de la nueva pir\u00e1mide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gardner fue enf\u00e1tico al respecto: \u201cLa prote\u00edna nunca fue un nutriente de importancia\u201d. En otras palabras, no existe un d\u00e9ficit generalizado de prote\u00edna en la poblaci\u00f3n estadounidense que justifique su protagonismo en las nuevas gu\u00edas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marion Nestle, profesora em\u00e9rita de nutrici\u00f3n en la Universidad de Nueva York, coincidi\u00f3 con esta cr\u00edtica, pero la llev\u00f3 a un terreno m\u00e1s estructural. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018\u2018La prote\u00edna ha sido a\u00f1adida a todo\u2026 es un tema de marketing\u2019\u2019, afirm\u00f3. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Para Nestle, el auge de productos enriquecidos con prote\u00edna -desde snacks hasta bebidas- no responde a una necesidad nutricional, sino a una estrategia de la industria alimentaria para posicionar ciertos productos como saludables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entre el lobby y la pol\u00edtica alimentaria<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Los panelistas analizaron la influencia de intereses econ\u00f3micos en la construcci\u00f3n de las gu\u00edas alimentarias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gardner lo plante\u00f3 de forma directa al referirse al peso del lobby: \u201cTenemos grupos de presi\u00f3n muy influyentes en la industria l\u00e1ctea y c\u00e1rnica\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

En su opini\u00f3n, la presencia de estos sectores en el proceso de formulaci\u00f3n de pol\u00edticas es inevitable, pero s\u00ed deber\u00eda ser transparente.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nestle, por su parte, cuestion\u00f3 el modelo desde una perspectiva institucional. Record\u00f3 que, a diferencia de d\u00e9cadas anteriores, el comit\u00e9 cient\u00edfico que eval\u00faa la evidencia ahora cumple un rol meramente consultivo, mientras que las decisiones finales quedan en manos de agencias gubernamentales. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEl proceso est\u00e1 siendo dominado por intereses comerciales\u201d, sostuvo, enfatizando que las recomendaciones no siempre responden exclusivamente a criterios de salud p\u00fablica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Esa tensi\u00f3n se refleja tambi\u00e9n en el enfoque de responsabilidad individual que atraviesa las nuevas gu\u00edas. Seg\u00fan Nestle, el mensaje del gobierno es claro: informar al p\u00fablico para que tome mejores decisiones. Sin embargo, considera que esta estrategia es insuficiente. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLa educaci\u00f3n no es suficiente para cambiar los h\u00e1bitos de dieta de la poblaci\u00f3n\u201d, advirti\u00f3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comer saludable tambi\u00e9n es una cuesti\u00f3n de acceso<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nestle explic\u00f3 que no todas las personas tienen las mismas condiciones para seguir una dieta saludable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018\u2018Puede que uno no tenga tiempo para cocinar\u2026 Puede que tampoco haya tiempo para ir a un supermercado\u2019\u2019, se\u00f1al\u00f3, aludiendo a realidades marcadas por la falta de tiempo, recursos o acceso a alimentos frescos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

En ese contexto, los productos ultraprocesados no son solo una elecci\u00f3n, sino muchas veces una necesidad. Aunque el panel reconoci\u00f3 como positivo el \u00e9nfasis de las nuevas gu\u00edas en reducir az\u00facares y alimentos ultraprocesados, los especialistas coincidieron en que este problema no puede resolverse \u00fanicamente con recomendaciones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018\u2018Me encanta el impulso que le dan al hecho de deshacerse del az\u00facar y las comidas ultraprocesadas\u2019\u2019, afirm\u00f3 Gardner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No obstante, Nestle advirti\u00f3 que el problema est\u00e1 arraigado en la estructura econ\u00f3mica del sistema alimentario. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018\u2018Las comidas ultraprocesadas son extraordinariamente rentables\u2019\u2019 explic\u00f3, se\u00f1alando que su permanencia responde a su rentabilidad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

El impacto real: de las escuelas al sistema alimentario<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Las gu\u00edas alimentarias tienen efectos concretos en espacios como las escuelas, donde los programas de alimentaci\u00f3n deben seguir estas recomendaciones. Gardner destac\u00f3 que este es uno de los pocos \u00e1mbitos donde las pol\u00edticas s\u00ed tienen un impacto directo, pero advirti\u00f3 que su implementaci\u00f3n enfrenta limitaciones importantes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSiempre han estado limitadas a no tener sustento econ\u00f3mico suficiente para ser implementadas\u201d, se\u00f1al\u00f3, subrayando que sin recursos suficientes es dif\u00edcil mejorar la calidad de los alimentos que reciben los estudiantes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Una dimensi\u00f3n ausente: el impacto ambiental<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

El debate dio un giro cuando el ambientalista Sailesh Rao introdujo una dimensi\u00f3n ausente en las gu\u00edas: el impacto ambiental de la alimentaci\u00f3n. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEl impacto ambiental est\u00e1 siendo exclu\u00eddo de la discusi\u00f3nn\u201d, sostuvo, sugiriendo que esta omisi\u00f3n no es casual. Rao argument\u00f3 que el sistema alimentario actual est\u00e1 estrechamente vinculado a la crisis clim\u00e1tica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLa carne de res genera 60 libras de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero por libra. Las lentejas, menos de una\u201d, explic\u00f3, evidenciando la diferencia entre productos de origen animal y vegetal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A partir de esta perspectiva, propuso un marco conceptual que ampl\u00eda el debate: la idea de \u201cPlaneta A\u201d y \u201cPlaneta B\u201d. El primero representa el sistema actual, basado en la extracci\u00f3n de recursos y la maximizaci\u00f3n de ganancias; el segundo, una alternativa orientada a la sostenibilidad. \u201cEste es el Planeta A\u2026 impulsando la policrisis\u201d, afirm\u00f3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

En esa l\u00ednea, Rao defendi\u00f3 la adopci\u00f3n de dietas basadas en plantas como una soluci\u00f3n integral. As\u00ed, asegur\u00f3 que los humanos no necesitamos alg\u00fan producto animal para fines salubres, argumentando que es posible suplir estos nutrientes faltantes sin recurrir a productos de origen animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adem\u00e1s, destac\u00f3 que alimentos como legumbres, frutas y verduras son m\u00e1s accesibles, saludables y sostenibles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

El panel cerr\u00f3 dejando en evidencia que la discusi\u00f3n sobre la nueva pir\u00e1mide alimentaria no puede reducirse a una lista de alimentos recomendados. M\u00e1s bien, revela un entramado complejo donde convergen ciencia, pol\u00edtica, econom\u00eda y medio ambiente.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In a panel convened by American Community Media (ACoM), specialists in nutrition and environmental science scrutinized the newly unveiled US food guide. While recognizing advancements such as a decrease in ultra-processed foods, they cautioned against the heightened emphasis on protein, the sway of industry interests, and the insufficient attention to issues of inequality and sustainability.  […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1819,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[686,194],"tags":[1257,2872,2871,2866,2874,2868,2873,2867,2869,2870],"class_list":["post-1815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-american-community-media","category-california-black-media","tag-acom","tag-americancommunitymedia","tag-foodindustry","tag-foodpolicy","tag-foodpolitics","tag-foodpyramid","tag-lavozcalifornia","tag-nutrition","tag-ppublichealth","tag-publichealth"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1815","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1815"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1815\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1816,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1815\/revisions\/1816"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1819"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1815"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1815"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lavoz.us.com\/homepage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}