Beer Institute Applauds HHS and USDA for Recognizing Drink Variability in 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

07 Jan 2016 --- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture released the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans which provide food and beverage recommendations for Americans.

The Dietary Guidelines also have a significant impact on nutrition in the United States as it drives federal policy on nutrition. New guidelines are issued every five years.

"We are pleased that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture have recognized that drink-equivalents are not intended to serve as a standard drink definition for regulatory purposes." said Jim McGreevy, CEO, Beer Institute. "The Beer Institute, along with America's brewers and importers, has led the effort for years in educating the government and consumers in recognizing the importance that a mixed drink may include the equivalent of several light beers."

"We applaud the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Issues for recognizing that not all drinks are equal, meaning one alcohol beverage can have significantly more or less calories and alcoholic content than another," said Joy Dubost, PhD RD, Senior Director, Science & External Affairs, Beer Institute. "Given the importance of the Dietary Guidelines in educating Americans, we are pleased they have provided Americans with the information needed to understand moderate consumption."

The Beer Institute, Brewers Association, National Beer Wholesalers Association and Wine Institute submitted several sets of written comments as well as oral testimony to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) urging them to provide consumers with more accurate guidance on alcohol than what was in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. We will continue advocating for guidelines that adequately inform consumers about variations in alcohol content and properly represent America's brewers and importers.