National Ag Day, the MAHA Agenda, and What to Know About the New Dietary Guidelines (with Calley Means)
In this episode of The Business of Wellness, Jaclyn London, RD shares behind-the-scenes insights from National Ag Day at USDA and a short interview with White House Senior Adviser Calley Means about the future of the MAHA agenda, food policy, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.This episode breaks down what the MAHA agenda means for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans—and what it signals for farmers, food companies, dietitians, and consumers navigating today’s nutrition landscape.Jaclyn explains what the updated Product of USA labeling rule means for transparency at the grocery store, where corporate influence actually shows up in nutrition policy (and where it doesn’t), what signals the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines are sending to producers and manufacturers, and why rebuilding trust in public health requires separating politics from nutrition science.The episode also explores how food marketing, labeling confusion, and prevention policy intersect—and outlines five practical strategies that could meaningfully improve American health right now.In this episode: What National Ag Day reveals about how nutrition policy actually gets implementedWhy the updated Product of USA label matters for transparency at the grocery storeA 12-minute interview with White House advisor Calley MeansWhere corporate influence does shape the Dietary Guidelines—and where it doesn’tWhy “limit nutrients” vs. naming foods changes industry behaviorWhat the new protein guidance signals for producersWhy added sugar targets (5–7% of calories and ~10g per meal) matter for product reformulationHow “eat fruits and vegetables throughout the day” creates opportunities for produce innovation and accessThe role dietitians could play in prevention policy—and why they’re currently underutilizedWhat RFK Jr.’s criticism of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report gets right—and wrongWhy debates about “health equity” language are policy conversations—not scientific onesFive practical ways to move prevention-focused nutrition policy forwardTimestamps00:00 National Ag Day at USDA and why this episode matters04:15 Breakfast with Secretary Brooke Rollins and conversations with American producers, farmers and ranchers09:30 Interview with Calley Means22:00 How the Dietary Guidelines actually influence consumers30:15 Food marketing, labeling confusion, and protecting kids and parents39:10 Signals the new Dietary Guidelines send to producers and food companies49:10 Dietitians, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and prevention policy57:20 RFK Jr., the Scientific Report, and the politics of “health equity”1:04:30 Five practical ways to Make America Healthy AgainTopics coveredDietary Guidelines for Americans, MAHA movement, National Ag Day, USDA policy, Product of USA labeling, nutrition labeling claims, added sugar recommendations, protein guidance, ultra-processed foods, prevention policy, health equity language, dietitians in public health, federal nutrition programsResources mentionedHow to MAHA: 5 Ways to Fix Our Food System and End Chronic Disease Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030Dietary Guidelines Scientific Report 2025-2030USDA Product of USA labeling updateThe Business of Wellness explores nutrition science, food policy, the wellness industry, public health communication, and the forces shaping how Americans eat.Connect with Jaclyn London, RDSubscribe to The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeFollow @jaclynlondonrd on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok & XGet Jaclyn's Book, Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked) on Amazon & Audible Support The Business of Wellness by sharing this episode and leave a 5-star rating & reviewVisit jaclynlondonrd.com to learn moreAbout Jaclyn London, RDJaclyn (Jackie) London is a Registered Dietitian (RD), New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN), author, nutrition consultant, podcast host, and media spokesperson. She’s best known for her nutrition myth-busting content on social media & through her book, Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked). She’s previously held leadership roles at consumer brands (Head of Nutrition & Wellness at Weight Watchers; Nutrition Director at Good Housekeeping), & brings her extensive experience in research, clinical nutrition, private practice, media & the corporate world to her relentless pursuit of building practical, accessible & science-based nutrition and wellness solutions that help consumers live healthier lives.
