Full-Service Law Firm solving complex challenges through bold thinking, precise execution, and shared purpose.

Full Service Law Firm | Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Specializing in the Intersection of Business &amp; Government

Meet our team of trusted advisors, strategic thinkers, and community builders dedicated to client success.

Learn about our full-service legal and business solutions, designed to address complex challenges for leading organizations across industries.

Access thought leadership, news, and resources to stay informed about the latest trends, legal developments, and industry innovations.

Discover how partnership, bold thinking, and precise execution drive results for clients nationwide.

Explore how our national reach and local expertise support clients across the United States and beyond.

Grow at a firm designed to bring out your best.

On January 7, 2026, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins jointly unveiled the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, styled as part of the <em>Make America Healthy Again</em> initiative. The revised Guidelines, published every five years, mark a significant shift in federal nutrition policy. The Guidelines broadly encourage prioritizing proteins and healthy fats while limiting highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates and foods with added sugars. According to an HHS <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/historic-reset-federal-nutrition-policy.html">press release</a>, the new Guidelines emphasize the following:

core/paragraph

core/list-item

Consume full-fat dairy with no added sugars

Eat vegetables and fruits throughout the day, focusing on whole forms

Incorporate healthy fats from whole foods such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados

Focus on whole grains, while sharply reducing refined carbohydrates

Limit highly processed foods, added sugars, and artificial additives

Eat the right amount for you, based on age, sex, size, and activity level

Choose water and unsweetened beverages to support hydration

Limit alcohol consumption for better overall health

core/list

According to <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/fact-sheet-historic-reset-federal-nutrition-policy.html">HHS</a>, previous Guidelines emphasized carbohydrates over protein. However, these revised Guidelines prioritize nutrient-dense proteins from animal sources in addition to plant-sourced proteins. The Guidelines now suggest a protein target of 1.2-1.6 <em>grams per kilogram of body weight per day</em>. The new Guidelines also suggest avoiding highly processed foods for the first time. Along with these changes, HHS and USDA have announced a new food pyramid:

Illustrated food pyramid showing recommended food groups, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, dairy, and healthy fats.

medium

thumbnail

core/image

These revised Guidelines impact nutrition standards for school meals, military and veteran meals, SNAP, and other nutritional programs. The Guidelines aim to prioritize health outcomes, particularly seeking to decrease the prevalence of chronic conditions, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes. HHS anticipates that improving health outcomes will likewise reduce health care costs as a result. The Dietary Guidelines will drive food contracting with publicly funded schools and other institutions, favoring those companies that offer lightly processed proteins and sources of saturated fats.

If you have questions about how these new Guidelines may affect your business, please contact your Michael Best attorney or a member of our team listed on this alert.

Rows of leafy green plants being watered inside a large greenhouse with overhead irrigation systems.

Greenhouse interior with rows of young green plants being watered by overhead misting systems.

HHS & USDA Announce New Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Related People

Related Capabilities

You may also be interested in these

RNG Volumes at Landfills Lead the Way

Tracy James Named to North Carolina Legal 250

What Happens to Your Business When You Can’t Run It?