Beef Is Back, Claims HHS Secretary

“The protein wars are over,” declared Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a speech to ranchers in Nashville earlier this week. He mentioned that “beef is back on the menu” during a conversation with Buck Wehbein, president of the National Cattle and Beef Association (NCBA).

They explored the significance of meat protein, as highlighted in an HHS news release. Kennedy praised ranchers as “indispensable partners” in efforts to update dietary guidelines and to revert to a food pyramid that reflects authentic nutrition.

The trade show drew over 9,400 participants, including various ranchers and industry professionals.

Kennedy expressed gratitude towards America’s ranchers for their role in “producing real, nutritious food, stewarding our land, and supporting our rural communities,” according to the statement.

Wehbein noted that the cattle producers at the event appreciated Kennedy’s initiatives to maintain beef as a staple in the national diet. This speech occurred shortly after Tennessee Governor Bill Lee welcomed Kennedy to Tennessee.

The two discussed state-level actions aimed at advancing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) campaign, which includes banning Red 40 in school lunches and limiting candy and sugary beverages eligible for purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Governor Lee remarked, “With the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Kennedy, Tennessee is pioneering innovative solutions to strengthen families and improve health outcomes.”

He acknowledged the administration’s approach to questioning traditional norms to help all Tennesseans lead healthier lives.

Efforts have been made to reach out to the NCBA, but no further comments have been provided by HHS.

The upcoming 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest a diverse diet including protein from animal sources like eggs, poultry, seafood, and red meat. However, it also emphasizes the importance of certain plant-based options such as beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

The guidelines recommend that saturated fat intake should be limited to about 10% of daily calories. Dr. Craig Bassman, a cardiologist in New Jersey, stressed the need for a balanced protein intake and touted chicken, fish, and plant-based proteins as ways to enhance dietary flexibility and enjoyment.