AFFI reacts to USDA Dietary Guidelines

The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services recently released the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). The recommendations focus on five overarching guidelines and what foods to consume more or less of.

American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) Interim President Joseph Clayton commended the USDA and HHS for recommending all forms of fruits and vegetables in the DGA without limiting language, according to a press release:

“AFFI applauds the administration for recognizing the benefits of all forms of fruits and vegetables – frozen, fresh, canned, dried and 100 percent juice – in achieving and maintaining healthy dietary patterns. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans have a broad reach and it is important they reflect sound science.

 “As confirmed by Frozen Food Foundation-commissioned nutritional studies conducted by the Universities of Georgia (UGA) and California Davis (UC Davis), frozen fruits and vegetables are as rich in nutrients, and often more so, than fresh stored produce.  

“A recent study by the Produce for Better Health Foundation found that government guidelines reinforcing the healthfulness of all forms of fruits and vegetables positively impact consumers’ perceptions of packaged fruits and vegetables, which include frozen, canned, dried and 100 percent juice products. We are pleased that the administration is encouraging Americans to utilize a full range of fruits and vegetables through inclusive language in the new DGAs.”