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A pro-dairy politician has blasted Canada’s Food Guide, calling it ‘ideologically-driven’.
The food guide, which is taught to doctors and nurses and underpins the food served in public institutions including schools and senior homes, was launched in January. It garnered headlines and infuriated the animal ag lobby because dairy and meat were dropped as standalone food groups and replaced by a ‘protein-rich’ category. In addition, water replaced milk as the ‘beverage of choice’.
Pro-dairy
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer pledged to review the guide if he is elected. He made the promise speaking at the Dairy Farmers of Canada annual meeting in Saskatoon last week.
According to Canadian pundits, the dairy industry played a significant role in Scheer winning the leadership contest over his main rival Maxime Bernier.
Speaking to the industry, he said the guide ‘seems to be ideologically driven by people who have a philosophical perspective’ as well as a ‘bias’ against dairy products. These comments have been branded ‘misinformation’ and ‘ridiculous’ by Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor.
Scientific research
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the guide is based on scientific research – rather than political interests.
“I’m not surprised the Conservatives don’t get that. We all remember they declared war on the long-form census,” he told reporters.
“Now they seem to be declaring war on the Canada Food Guide. We’re going to continue to focus on evidence and science as a way of making policy and supporting Canadian families in their choices.”
