Nouvelle Pyramide Alimentaire: A Shift in Nutritional Guidelines

The Shift in Dietary Recommendations

On September 11, the Confederation unveiled its latest nutritional recommendations, revising its previous food pyramid from 2011. While the variety of foods hasn't drastically changed, certain sources, particularly plant-based proteins like legumes, are now more prominently featured alongside animal protein sources such as meat and fish, stated the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (OSAV). This new pyramid has faced backlash from various ecological organizations who argue there is still too much emphasis on meat.

Proviande's Rebuttal

In contrast, Proviande shares similar discontent about the pyramid, though for differing reasons. The new dietary guidelines significantly devalue meat, which is unjustly criticized for health and environmental concerns, stated the Swiss meat industry association. They assert that there is no scientific evidence to support the reduction of meat consumption in recommended diets and emphasize that guidelines suggest consuming twice as much plant-based protein to achieve equivalent nutritional value, potentially leading to excess carbohydrates.

Meat's Visibility in the New Pyramid

Proviande points out that the visibility of red meat in this pyramid is notably low. “A casual observer might think that consuming red meat is unnecessary or even discouraged,” the statement concludes, reinforcing their stance that such perceptions do not align with factual nutritional science.