Some Public Policy Decisions Forego Science for Emotion

WASHINGTON, DC – Sometimes we think we know the right thing to do based on assumptions, but the decision to pull whole milk from public schools a decade ago is “a perfect example of misguided public policy based on bad science”.

The Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee is Rep. G.T. Thompson (PA-16) who explains in an exclusive interview that the idea to move to fat-free dairy products might have sounded good years ago but the science doesn’t back the decision up. In fact, he says, sports teams use whole milk, or 3 percent fat milk, to repair bodies following trauma or injury. In addition, Thompson outlines how whole milk is actually a better choice for dieters because it’s more filling and satisfying, thus leading to less desire to consume more calories.

LISTEN: Rep. Thompson on the Agribusiness Report

The Republican leader on the Agriculture Committee also pointed to his legislation for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. One of the unintended consequences for eliminating whole milk from schools in 2010 led to not just problems in the dairy industry but also to a growing issue of declining nutrition among kids. At the present time, 1 percent “milkfat” is available in schools but Thompson says it’s time to return 3 percent back to school menus.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)