Less meat, more plants: top US heart body’s diet advice at odds with MahaAmerican Heart Association bucks Trump administration line to suggest prioritizing plant-based protein over meat In contrast to the federal government’s recommendation of use of beef tallow and consumption of red meat, the AHA pushed for plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts and seeds. Photograph: Allen J Schaben/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images The American Heart Association’s new nutrition guidance, released on Tuesday, emphasizes a dietary pattern rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, prioritizing plant-based protein over meat. It also suggests limiting the use of sugar, salt and ultra-processed foods and replacing full fat dairy with non-fat and low-fat dairy. Donald Trump earlier this year announced a new slate of dietary guidelines that recommended Americans eat more protein from both animal and plant sources, and encouraged the consumption of full-fat dairy. In contrast to the federal government’s recommendation of use of beef tallow and consumption of red meat, the AHA is pushing for plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts and seeds, choosing low-fat or fat-free dairy, and, when consuming red meat, selecting lean cuts, avoiding processed forms and keeping portions small. The Trump administration and health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr’s push to “Make America healthy again” has focused on the removal of synthetic dyes, other chemical ingredients, ultra-processed foods, consumption of less sugar and seed oils. The AHA also suggests Americans choose sources of unsaturated fats, avoid ultraprocessed foods and minimize intake of added sugars in beverages and foods. The organization recommended Americans to prepare foods with minimal or no salt, and limit the intake of alcohol. The guidance also recommended children can and should begin following a heart-healthy dietary pattern starting at one year old. The AHA’s guidance was aligned with the US Food and Drug Administration’s dietary guidelines on major issues, a spokesperson from the FDA said, adding they looked forward to working collaboratively with AHA. The AHA, which is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, releases dietary guidance about every five years to promote cardiovascular health. ARTICLE SOURCE: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/01/american-heart-association-dietary-guidelines-maha
Seed oils must be disclosed in Louisiana by 2028
Restaurants will have to admit what they’re cooking with
Louisiana just became the first state to require seed oil disclosure in restaurants. It’s not a ban (yet), but it’s a real shift.
Starting Jan 1, 2028, every restaurant, café, and food truck in Louisiana that cooks with industrial seed oils—canola, soy, corn, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed, grapeseed, or rice bran—will be required to include a clear statement on menus, websites, and ordering apps:
“Some menu items may contain or be prepared using seed oils.”
This is the first time a U.S. state has formally recognized that seed oils are not neutral ingredients—and that diners deserve to know when they’re being used.
The bill, SB14, was pushed by the Make America Healthy Again coalition and Protect Louisiana Values. It passed with broad support and is now signed into law.
Here’s where it starts to get real.
This won’t just apply to fast food. Based on our data, nearly every restaurant in the state will have to include the disclaimer. Even the ones selling themselves as “clean,” “natural,” or “health-forward.”
Most people have no idea how often seed oils are used—not just in the fryer, but in dressings, marinades, sauces, and sauté pans. This law makes sure they do.
Once that line shows up on every menu, diners will start asking questions. And when people start opting out, restaurants will have a choice: keep using industrial oils, or adapt.
Want this law in your state?
Here’s how to make it happen:
Email your state rep or senator. Ask them to introduce a version of Louisiana’s SB14: a simple law requiring restaurants to disclose seed oil use on menus.
Include the bill link: Louisiana SB14
Keep the message simple: “Restaurants should disclose if they cook with seed oils. People have a right to know what’s in their food.”
Talk about it locally. Bring it up at town halls, school boards, or community meetings—and get a few people to join you.