New Dietary Guidelines Take on Ultra-processed Foods but Abandon Longstanding Advice on Red Meat, Full-Fat Dairy Products and Alcohol

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) values recommendations in the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, that encourage consumers to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. That said, we have significant concerns that the guidelines abandon science-based recommendations limiting daily consumption of red meat, full-fat dairy products, and alcoholic beverages.

“The new Dietary Guidelines offers a jumble of some good and some bad advice that we worry will confuse consumers and lacks the clarity we should expect from federal food and nutrition agencies like the USDA and the FDA,” says NCL CEO Sally Greenberg.

On the positive side, NCL congratulates the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for urging consumers to cut back on highly processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages that are major factors contributing to obesity and chronic disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Americans consume over half their daily calories from ultra-processed foods, which is why health experts from around the world are calling for government policies aimed at limiting consumption of added sugars, refined grains, highly processed foods, saturated fats, and sugary drinks.

At the same time, NCL joins with other consumer, public health, and medical societies that are concerned that ending what the Trump Administration calls “the war on protein” and bringing back an inverted food pyramid highlighting red meat and full-fat dairy products will cause consumers to exceed recommended limits for sodium and saturated fats. According to nutrition experts, the recommendation to consume 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight of protein each day – meaning eating protein at every meal – will result in consuming twice the recommended daily allowance of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.

The new dietary guidelines also abandon longstanding advice on drinking alcohol, which until now recommended limiting daily consumption to one or two standard drinks a day, with an explanation of what this means when drinking beer, wine, or a distilled spirits product. Instead, the latest version only states that people should consume less alcohol “for better overall health” and “limit alcohol beverages.” Accordingly, the estimated 62 percent of adult Americans who consume alcoholic beverages will now be flying blind when attempting to make responsible drinking decisions.

Even more problematic, the guidelines do not distinguish between men and women, who metabolize alcohol differently, and fail to caution against underage drinking. Because alcohol is the most widely used substance among Americans aged 12 and older, contributing to about 178,000 deaths annually and causing various cancers, heart and liver diseases, and other chronic conditions, excessive alcohol use costs the U.S. economy approximately $249 billion each year. Thus, the vague focus on alcohol recommendations in the guidelines is not in the public interest and runs counter to the goals of the MAHA movement to reduce chronic disease in the US.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

Weakened Vaccine Guidance Threatens Decades of Public Health Progress 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League strongly opposes the decision to reduce the CDC’s recommended childhood immunization schedule without scientific justification or public review. 

“By cutting recommended childhood vaccines without evidence-based rationale or expert input, this action recklessly discards decades of peer-reviewed r esearch demonstrating vaccines are safe, effective, and essential to preventing serious childhood illness,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. 

“The U.S. faces distinct disease risks and health system challenges that demand a strong immunization schedule,” Greenberg continued. “Weakening these recommendations will further erode trust in the CDC, lower vaccination rates, and lead to avoidable outbreaks that expose children to preventable disease.” 

Childhood vaccines have prevented millions of cases of disease, tens of thousands of deaths, and billions in health care costs in the United States. NCL urges federal health officials to restore science-driven, transparent decision-making and reaffirm the CDC’s commitment to protecting children and families. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL) 

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

Putting Consumers First in New York City

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League applauds Mayor Mamdani and the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection for taking bold executive action to combat hidden junk fees, subscription tricks, and traps. 

“As families face rising costs and increasingly opaque pricing practices, these orders represent a critical step toward transparency and fairness in the marketplace,” said NCL VP of Public Policy, John Breyault. “NCL has long supported stronger consumer protections that ensure companies cannot hide fees and pad prices with unnecessary charges.”

“We also commend the City’s commitment to eliminating subscription traps that make it harder for consumers to cancel services than to sign up for them. NCL has championed ‘click-to-cancel’ protections at the federal and state levels, arguing that the right to cancel should be as simple as the right to enroll and that consumers deserve clear consent and easy exits from automatic renewals,” Breyault continued. “By targeting junk fees and unfair auto-renewal practices, New York City is leading the way in protecting everyday New Yorkers from deceptive practices that drain household budgets and undermine trust in our economy,” Breyault concluded.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.   

Broad Coalition Opposes Politicization of DC Attorney General 

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Legislation Would Endanger Consumers, Nonprofits, and Civil Society Nationwide 

Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL), joined by 29 nonprofit, consumer, civil rights, faith-based, and civic organizations, urged congressional leaders to reject H.R. 5179, the District of Columbia Attorney General Appointment Reform Act, today. The organizations warn that the bill would dangerously undermine the independence of the District’s chief law enforcement office and expose nonprofits and consumers to politicized enforcement. 

In a letter sent to Congressional leaders, the coalition stressed that replacing DC’s independently elected Attorney General with a presidential appointee would concentrate sweeping legal and regulatory power in the Executive Branch. 

“The DC Attorney General plays a critical role in protecting consumers, overseeing nonprofits, and enforcing civil and charitable laws,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “Stripping that office of its independence would create a clear pathway for political retaliation and selective enforcement—regardless of which party controls the White House.” 

The DC Office of the Attorney General (DCOAG) has broad authority over consumer protection, civil enforcement, and the oversight of nonprofits and charitable assets. Because many national 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations are headquartered in the District, the impact of H.R. 5179 would be felt far beyond Washington, DC. 

The coalition warned that a President-appointed Attorney General could be used to launch ideologically motivated investigations, retaliatory audits, or harassing enforcement actions against organizations whose views diverge from an administration’s agenda. Such powers could chill free speech, suppress lawful advocacy, and deter donors—weakening civil society as a whole. 

“These are not abstract or hypothetical risks,” the organizations wrote. “They are the predictable consequences of placing an unaccountable enforcement authority under direct political control.” 

NCL and its partners also cautioned that politicizing the DCOAG could undermine consumer protection by shielding political allies from scrutiny while targeting perceived opponents. 

“The current system ensures accountability to DC residents, not loyalty to a single national political figure,” said Greenberg. “Congress should reject H.R. 5179 and preserve the independence that allows the DC Attorney General to protect consumers, nonprofits, and fundamental democratic freedoms.”  

To read the full letter, click here. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.   

Trump’s Attempt to Nullify State AI Regulations Is a Disaster for Consumers

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – Yesterday, in an Executive Order, President Trump directed his administration to block state-enacted safeguards around artificial intelligence, including the restriction of federal funding to states the White House targets and the creation of a “Litigation Task Force” to challenge states’ consumer protections. NCL wholly opposes these efforts as unregulated AI products create significant risks to the public, from serious issues regarding safety and mental health, to unauthorized uses of consumer data and creative works.    

“States have been leading consumer protection efforts on AI since the federal government has been asleep at the wheel,” said NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “This executive order shows that the administration’s failure to protect the public isn’t an accident—it’s an intentional policy decision. To make matters worse, they are now seeking to punish state leaders that did the right thing and stepped up for their constituents.”  

Congress has repeatedly rejected the White House’s attempt to override state laws governing AI, including a 99-1 vote in the Senate that kept state protections in place. A coalition of 36 bipartisan state attorneys general opposed a federal ban on state AI protections just two weeks ago. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.   

Public Health Undermined: NCL Slams ACIP’s Dangerous Vaccine Reversal

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829  

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is deeply concerned by today’s vote from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to eliminate the long-standing recommendation that all newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine at birth.   

“We all want to protect our children.  But this reversal disregards decades of scientific evidence, proven public health outcomes, and the consensus of the nation’s leading medical experts,” said NCL’s Senior Director of Health Policy Lisa Bercu. “Rolling back this recommendation puts infants at unnecessary and avoidable risk. As several ACIP members warned, the consequences of today’s decision will be measured in preventable childhood infections and puts them at long– term risk of liver cancer.”  

NCL is particularly troubled that the vote appears to be influenced by fringe skepticism rather than by evidence-based medicine. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long promoted scientifically discredited anti-vaccine claims and has financially benefited from organizations that amplify this misinformation, raising serious concerns about his credibility and motives on public health issues. The bottom line is consumers deserve guidance grounded in science—not ideology.  

“This move also risks sowing confusion among parents and undermining confidence in a vaccine that has been proven safe, effective, and vital for more than three decades,” Bercu continued. “At a time when the nation is already combating outbreaks of preventable diseases, weakening a cornerstone of childhood immunization sends exactly the wrong message.” 

NCL urges the acting CDC Director to carefully weigh this decision, reaffirm the agency’s principles of relying on scientific evidence, and maintain the universal recommendation that has protected generations of children.  

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)       

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.   

Major Child Labor Victory in Ohio, Governor DeWine Vetoes Senate Bill 50

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829   

Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League’s Child Labor Coalition is very pleased to announce a significant victory in our fight to strengthen child labor laws in Ohio. Governor Mike DeWine has vetoed SB 50, legislation that would have weakened Ohio’s child labor protections by allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. on school nights.   

“The Child Labor Coalition, in partnership with Policy Matters Ohio and the Economic Policy Institute, strongly urged this veto, and we commend additional allies—including the Ohio AFL-CIO and many other organizations—who stood up to protect the well-being and educational success of Ohio’s youth,” said CLC Director, Reid Maki. “We are grateful to the Governor for bravely bucking the legislature and putting the interests of teens before profits and will continue to advocate for our nation’s children.”   

Last month, NCL lead numerous advocacy organizations in writing a letter to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine urging him to veto Senate Bill 50, the legislation would have allowed 14- and 15-year-olds in Ohio to work on school nights until 9 p.m., extending the current cutoff from 7 p.m. It is an additional danger to our nation’s most vulnerable to be out late while partaking in jobs that put their safety at risk.  

“Learning to work is an essential part of growing up.  Businesses across Ohio each day give young people the opportunity to learn the so-called soft skills that will serve them well when they become adults.  In analyzing this bill, it is important to define what it would do and what it would not do,” said Governor DeWine. “I believe it unwise to provide 14- and 15-year-olds to work, on a school night, that late at night.  I see no compelling reason to deviate from current law.”  

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)       

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.   

NCL Decries Trump Administration’s Proposed Rule to Weaken Fuel Economy Standards

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The Trump administration today released a proposed rule to weaken fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that the proposed standards would achieve a fleet average fuel economy of 34.5 miles per gallon by model year 2031, a dramatic decrease from the 50.4 miles per gallon that the Biden era standards were projected to achieve. 

“The Trump administration’s proposed rule ignores a simple truth: costs are low when fuel economy standards are high,” said Daniel Greene, Senior Director of Consumer Protection & Product Safety.  “Slamming the brakes on robust fuel economy standards will inflict more pain at the pump, hamper American competitiveness, exacerbate the climate crisis, and harm public health.  The National Consumers League urges the administration to reverse course and help address the affordability crisis through meaningful increases in fuel economy standards.” 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.   

‘Tis the Season for Scammers: National Consumers League Unveils the Top 10 Holiday Shopping Scams of 2025

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From fake deals to phony deliveries, consumers urged to stay alert as holiday fraud surges  

Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829  

Washington, DC — As holiday shopping kicks into high gear, the National Consumers League (NCL) is warning Americans to beware of the wave of scams designed to cash in on the season of giving. “Scammers know the holidays are the perfect storm—consumers are busy and spending more online looking for deals,” said John Breyault, NCL’s Vice President of Telecommunications and Fraud Policy. “They count on you being distracted. Before you click that link or grab that ‘flash deal,’ take a breath and verify it’s real. A few extra seconds of skepticism can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.”  

Whether it’s counterfeit products on social media, bogus “too good to be true” deals, or texts about fake delivery problems, scammers are working overtime to take your hard-earned dollars.  

To help shoppers protect themselves, NCL has identified 10 Holiday Shopping Scams to watch out for and offers advice to navigate tricky situations.   

Top 10 Holiday Shopping Scams to watch     

  • Fake “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Deals – Deep discounts on luxury brands or electronics that never arrive.  
  • Counterfeit Products on Marketplaces – Fraudsters posing as legitimate sellers with knockoff goods.  
  • Gift Card Grifts – Used or drained cards, or scammers demanding payment via gift card.  
  • Phishing Emails and Texts – Fake order confirmations and delivery alerts that steal personal info.  
  • Charity Scams – Imposters preying on goodwill with fake donation appeals.  
  • Package Delivery Scams – Texts claiming “delivery issues” that link to phony tracking sites.  
  • Subscription Traps – “Free trials” that quietly charge recurring fees.  
  • Social Media Shopping Scams – Fraudulent ads or influencer posts for non-existent stores.  
  • Travel Deal Cons – Bogus vacation rentals or airfare “specials” that disappear after payment.  
  • Buy Now, Pay Later Pitfalls – Fake financing offers or hidden fee traps.  

NCL’s Tips to Stay Scam-Free This Season:  

  • Stick to trusted retailers and check URLs before purchasing.  
  • Don’t click on links in unsolicited texts or emails—go directly to the retailer’s site.  
  • Pay by credit card for better fraud protection.  
  • Verify charities through trusted databases before donating. 

For more tips or to report suspected scams, visit Fraud.org.  

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)       

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.     

Child Labor Coalition Applauds Introduction of the CARE Act of 2025 on Universal Children’s Day

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC — Today, on World Children’s Day, Representative Raul Ruiz (CA-25) reintroduced the Children’s Act for Responsible Employment and Farm Safety (CARE Act) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Child Labor Coalition (CLC) strongly supports this essential legislation, which modernizes outdated federal child labor laws and extends long-overdue protections to child farmworkers—among the nation’s most vulnerable laborers. 

“Our nation has a moral duty to protect every working child,” said Reid Maki, Director of Child Labor Advocacy and Coordinator of the CLC. “Farmworkers remain among the most exploited and unprotected workers in America. Children deserve safe working conditions and the same rights afforded to young workers in every other industry. Updating these antiquated laws is long overdue.” 

The CARE Act closes loopholes that have long allowed children in agriculture to perform hazardous work at age 16—an age two years younger than what is required in all other sectors. It raises the minimum age for children to work on farms from 12 to 14, and it makes these critical changes while preserving long-standing family farm traditions by ensuring that new protections do not restrict children working on their parents’ farms. 

Maki emphasized the deep historical harm caused by these outdated rules:
“It’s astonishing that discriminatory loopholes allowing very young children to work 70- or 80-hour weeks in dangerous conditions have existed since the 1930s. These exemptions undermine children’s education and put their health at serious risk.” 

The CARE Act of 2025 marks a critical step toward safety, equity, and dignity for child farmworkers. The Child Labor Coalition urges Congress to act swiftly to pass this legislation and ensure that every child in America is protected—no matter where they live or work.  

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.