Food Guide serves up odd plate of politics

Changes in the Canada Food Guide, no matter how subtle or minor to the average Canadian, are the product of shifts in nutritional thought, and the likely result of some serious backroom discussion between government and the food industry. In other words, the official document that tells Canadians how they should eat also can be a reflection of the nation’s politics.

The public consultation period for the new food guide ended Tuesday and a new document is to be released in 2018. So far, it appears there will be a greater emphasis on plant-based foods, with a reduced emphasis on meat and dairy products.

The biggest change, as revealed in the initial draft, is greater emphasis on plant-based foods, particularly those filled with protein, such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, seeds and soybean products like tofu.

That’s not to say traditional sources of protein — meat, chicken and fish — are being written out, but the prominence they enjoyed will be somewhat diminished.

At least one registered dietician is praising the draft while alluding to the political influence traditionally associated with the food guide. Writing in Today’s Parent, Cara Rosenbloom says, “your kids will now learn up-to-date nutrition information that isn’t influenced by dairy and beef farmers, margarine companies or juice makers. Instead it will be based on the most up-to-date nutritional science.”

She writes that the new guide will help “create a positive future for our children” by discussing issues such as “greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation, water quality and wildlife loss.”

These environmental issues are certainly worthy of discussion, but it seems odd they could be included in the Canada food guide.

Milk also is getting pushed aside. It always has commanded its own food group in past food guides, but in the new version milk will apparently be folded into another category.

The Dairy Farmers of Canada isn’t happy. “Lumping all these protein foods together in the same group . . . is a disservice to Canadians because it will not help them consume a balanced diet that contains all the essential nutrients they need,” says the Dairy Farmers’ director of nutrition, Isabelle Neiderer.

Milk’s perceived demotion is no small thing for the Dairy Farmers.

Indeed, the Food Guide is the second most requested federal government publication behind income tax forms, used by schools, hospitals and other public institutions.

While many Canadians might ignore its contents, the food guide represents important public policy. — Peter Epp