Latest from Food Politics: Industry funded study of the week: Beef

Chris McCullum-Gomez sent this one. Beef can fit into healthy diets, but what about its environmental cost? The authors drew on findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational research, and international agricultural policy guidance to ...

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By Marion Nestle October 26 2026 Industry funded study of the week: Beef Chris McCullum-Gomez sent this one. Beef can fit into healthy diets, but what about its environmental cost? The authors drew on findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational research, and international agricultural policy guidance to examine how cattle production intersects with global nutrition, environmental pressures, and rural livelihoods. The synthesis suggested that, when consumed within balanced dietary patterns, beef serves as a nutrient-dense, whole-food source of bioavailable micronutrients and high-quality protein without consistently worsening measured cardiometabolic risk markers in controlled trials. The authors also argued that sustainable food policy must account for nutrient density, agricultural land use, and rural livelihoods alongside environmental impacts, without relying solely on mass- or calorie-based comparisons. This required a look at the actual study: Beef in nutritious and sustainable diets, by Julia Sekula, Shalene McNeill, Ruaraidh Petre, Zachary Gould. Animal Frontiers, Volume 16, Issue 5, October 2026, Pages 91–97, https://doi.org/10.1093/af/vfag028. This is a research-based review and opinion study.  It evaluates the contribution of beef to nutrition and health, and to meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Its conclusions: Beef provides a concentrated source of high-quality protein and essential, bioavailable micronutrients, alongside important socio-economic contributions, particularly in LMICs [Lower and Middle Income Countries]. The case for moderate beef consumption within healthy, balanced dietary patterns is supported by the totality of evidence across nutrition, chronic disease risk, and micronutrient adequacy. As reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals framework, sustainable food systems must simultaneously address nutrition, poverty, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience. Sustainable beef production intersects with these objectives across multiple domains. Conflict of interest statement. Julia Sekula is employed by Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc, an organization that represents the interests of New Zealand beef and lamb producers. Shalene McNeill is employed by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, that represents the US’s beef cattle farmers and ranchers. Ruaraidh Petre is employed by the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, a multistakeholder network of beef value chain partners and NGOs that leads, measures and communicates improvements in beef sustainability. Zachary Gould has no disclosures to make. Acknowledgments: This manuscript was invited for submission by the US Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the USRSB, the journal, or the publisher. Comment: This is a study commissioned by the beef industry and conducted by researchers who work for the beef industry.  It’s purpose was to demonstrate that beef intake is consistent with sustainable food systems.  It makes “the case for moderate beef consumption.” “Moderate,” of course, means different things to different people. The study does not define it. The post Industry funded study of the week: Beef appeared first on Food Politics by Marion Nestle      Related Posts Most studies criticizing the Nova classification of ultra-processed foods are funded by food companies Industry-funded study of the week: artificially sweetened drinks vs. water Industry-funded study of the week: the American Beverage Association at work   Now Available: What to Eat Now My new book, What to Eat Now, is officially out! It's both a field guide to food shopping in America and a reflection on how to eat well—and deliciously. For more information and to order, click here. You can explore the full archive of this (almost) daily blog at foodpolitics.com, where you'll also find information about my books, articles, media interviews, upcoming lectures, favorite resources, and FAQs. Visit the Site » ​​​​​​​ Marion Nestle Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, Emerita © Marion Nestle. You're receiving this email because you've signed up to receive updates from us. If you'd prefer not to receive updates, you can unsubscribe. Safely Unsubscribe • Archives • Preferences • Contact • Subscribe • Privacy

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Latest from Food Politics: Weekend reading: Christopher Gardner's Food Sense

Christopher Gardner.   Food Sense: The Science and Practice of Eating Well.   Simon Element, 2026 (287 pages). Christopher Gardner and I were doing book events at the same time within a couple of miles of each other in Marin County, mine at Book ...

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By Marion Nestle October 23 2026 Weekend reading: Christopher Gardner’s Food Sense Christopher Gardner.  Food Sense: The Science and Practice of Eating Well.  Simon Element, 2026 (287 pages). Christopher Gardner and I were doing book events at the same time within a couple of miles of each other in Marin County, mine at Book Passage in Corte Madera, and his at Copperfields in Larkspur.  We met for lunch after our talks (thanks to Will Rosenzweig). I had done a blurb for his book: Here is Christopher Gardner’s remarkably sensible and easy-to-read philosophy of how to eat healthfully and enjoyably, based on his extensive and deep scientific training, experience running clinical trials, and—delightful surprise–cooking skills (the book has recipes!). He uses all this to weigh in on your most perplexing questions about diet and health.  Food for thought! And here is a brief excerpt: It makes sense that as a culture we’d be so interested in diet because we’ve been told for decades now that we as a society need to eat better, but the reality is that we’re up against a really powerful and entrenched food system that may have started with good intentions but hasn’t had our best interests at heart for some time.  The competing priorities of taste, cost, and convenience can make even simple and straightforward nutrition guidance seem complicated.  It’s a perfect environment for people to try to sell you miracle cures and quick fixes…So what do we do?  Well, we need to empower ourselves with everything we’ve got to cut through the noise…[the approach you take] has to be louder than the messages you’re getting from, well, everywhere…most importantly, it needs to offer you a strong foundation based in science with lots of room for flexibility (pp. 6-7). A few chapter titles: The Diet Wars Yes, You Probably Get Enough Protein Seed Oil Slander Plant-Based Meats—Instead of What? Sugar Is Sugar, and Less Is Always Better It’s a great read.  Take a look! The post Weekend reading: Christopher Gardner’s Food Sense appeared first on Food Politics by Marion Nestle      Related Posts Weekend reading: Science Politics Weekend (Re-)reading: Eric Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation Reflections on my 90th birthday—and food politics   Now Available: What to Eat Now My new book, What to Eat Now, is officially out! It's both a field guide to food shopping in America and a reflection on how to eat well—and deliciously. For more information and to order, click here. You can explore the full archive of this (almost) daily blog at foodpolitics.com, where you'll also find information about my books, articles, media interviews, upcoming lectures, favorite resources, and FAQs. Visit the Site » ​​​​​​​ Marion Nestle Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, Emerita © Marion Nestle. You're receiving this email because you've signed up to receive updates from us. If you'd prefer not to receive updates, you can unsubscribe. Safely Unsubscribe • Archives • Preferences • Contact • Subscribe • Privacy

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