Key Updates Impacting the Pork Industry: Dietary Guidelines, Rodenticide Rules, and Port Labor Negotiations

Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Recommends Eating Less Red Meat The advisory committee for the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans has issued a recommendation to reduce red meat consumption and increase plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and soy. This change, if adopted by USDA and HHS, could reframe federal nutrition guidelines, affecting programs like school lunches. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has strongly opposed the recommendation, citing scientific evidence supporting the nutritional value of animal-based proteins like pork, which provide essential amino acids and nutrients at a low caloric cost. NPPC Vice President and Iowa pork producer Rob Brenneman emphasized that “animal protein consumption is a vital component of a healthy, sustainable diet.” EPA Finalizes New Rule Limiting Rodenticide Use The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized regulations requiring farmers to obtain certification or hire certified applicators to use rode