Position of the Experts of the Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences at SGGW on the USDA Dietary Guidelines 2025–2030

In connection with the ongoing public and media debate surrounding the dietary guidelines published by the USDA in early January 2026, the Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences at SGGW presents its official position. The commentary below constitutes the voice of the Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences in the current scientific and social debate concerning the interpretation and validity of the proposed recommendations.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030 published by the USDA are presented as a significant “reset” of federal nutrition policy. From the perspective of nutritional science, it should be emphasized that many of the substantive postulates are consistent with the current state of knowledge: a clear call to limit highly processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates; an emphasis on the role of high-quality protein; recognition of fats derived from natural foods; as well as an explicit indication that there is no place for added sugars in children’s diets. The inclusion of reduced-carbohydrate diets as one of the therapeutic options for individuals with selected chronic diseases can also be assessed positively. In this respect, the proposed direction is consistent with the current scientific consensus and dietary recommendations, including those of the Planetary Healthy Diet.

At the same time, the scientific community has raised concerns about the graphic form of the guidelines, which is based on an inverted food pyramid. Placing red meat on the same, widest level as vegetables and fruits may be perceived as suggesting an equivalent frequency and quantity of consumption of these food groups. Such simplification does not fully reflect epidemiological evidence regarding cardiovascular and cancer risks associated with high consumption of red and processed meat. Equally debatable is the visual “pushing” of whole-grain products to the narrowest tier of the pyramid, despite the document itself declaratively emphasizing the need to prioritize whole-grain foods and reduce refined carbohydrates.

In Polish dietary guidelines, developed and updated by the National Institute of Public Health PZH – National Research Institute, vegetables and fruits continue to form the foundation of the daily diet; whole-grain cereal products play an important role; and protein sources—including meat—should be diversified, with a clear limitation of red and processed meat. This model better corresponds to the structure of public health challenges in Poland and to European recommendations.

In conclusion, the American guidelines introduce an important shift in narrative toward food quality and the reduction of processing, which should be viewed positively. At the same time, their strongly journalistic language and simplified graphic form require critical interpretation. In Polish academic and clinical practice, we recommend continuing to base nutrition education on national and European guidelines, while closely monitoring the international scientific debate.