The North American Meat Institute is requesting the administration extend the public comment period for the recent report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee from 45 days to 120 days.

NAMI said, “The agencies have encouraged a transparent collaborative process, yet a limited time for review does not allow for such a process. Such a short comment period runs the risk of appearing to exclude meaningful comment. The 120-day comment period will provide the most insightful response to the DGAC report, which will be useful as the agencies develop the final policy.”

The DGAC report is 571 pages and the result of nearly two years of the committee reviewing evidence to produce the report. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack told the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee that he is considering extending the comment period. Other organizations are expected to request a 120-day comment period.