The nutritional health of all Americans is informed by a federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee—which now includes CTAHR’s own Rachel Novotny (HNFAS).
Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Rachel will be joining 19 other nationally recognized scientists on this independent advisory committee, including another UH faculty member, Carol Boushey of JABSOM. They will review scientific evidence on specific nutrition- and health-related topics and scientific questions, and their review will help inform USDA and HHS development of the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
“The scientists we selected to serve on the committee are national leaders in the areas of nutrition and health,” says Azar. “HHS, USDA, and all Americans will benefit from the collective experience and expertise of the committee, which will conduct a rigorous examination of the scientific evidence on several diet-related health outcomes, including the prevention of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which are three of the leading causes of death in the United States.”
“USDA is committed to ensuring everything we do is data-driven and based in scientific facts, which is why this expert committee’s work in objectively evaluating the science is of the utmost importance to the departments and to this process,” adds Perdue. “The committee will evaluate existing research and develop a report objectively, with an open mind.”
The Guidelines are the cornerstone of federal nutrition programs and policies. For the first time, the upcoming review will reflect not only federal agency input but also public comments and feedback, which the community and other stakeholders will be encouraged to provide.