Canada Food Guide ‘discourages Canadians from eating dairy

The new Canada Food Guide could be redrafted following accusations it discourages consumers from eating animal proteins and dairy products.

Conservative associate agriculture critic and MP for Foothills, Alberta, John Barlow claims to have received letters from “literally 700 medical professionals” outlining their concerns about the Food Guide.

“A lot of it has to do with discouraging Canadians from eating animal proteins,” he told WestCentralOnline.

“There are minerals, vitamins, and proteins that you get from animal proteins that you can't get from lentils, pulses, and those types of things, but also the focus on saturated fats and sodium, which they feel is really out of date.”

Mr Barlow added that the guide should be focusing on addressing, or limiting, intake of trans fats, not saturated fats, and believes Health Canada based the guide’s new direction on data from the 1970s.

"They weren't looking at up to date, new studies and scientific data that debunks those old misconceptions of saturated fats, sodium, natural sugars, and those types of things."

Benefits of dairy and how you can help

Milk and dairy foods considered nutrient-rich because they serve as good sources of calcium and vitamin D, as well as protein and other essential nutrients. They provide phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B12, and riboflavin.

People who achieve the recommended three servings of dairy per day can enjoy improved bone health throughout life.

Chefs keen to promote the taste and health benefits of dairy produce could easily formulate a set menu centred around dairy with the help of Clubhouse For Chefs’ recipes section. You can view all of our ideas built around eggs and diary here.

Regardless of your restaurant’s theme, you’re sure to find something that sparks inspiration. Some of the dishes that we’re fond of include Asian egg crepes, Tuscan Frittata and Monte Cristo Italiano.

New meetings

Meetings have now been organised to study the latest version of the guide where the advice and views of agriculture stakeholders will be heard.

Mr Barlow thanked stakeholders, producers, farmers, ranchers, agri-businesses, and processors for working with him and putting pressure on Health Canada to schedule the additional meetings.

He added that he wanted to ensure Health Canada took a balanced approach hearing from both sides of the table, and was satisfied the organization would include many agriculture stakeholders, industry stakeholders and informed health experts in the study.

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