By Allison Peck
A Lincoln County prevention coalition is raising concerns about newly released federal dietary guidelines, saying they weaken or remove key information related to alcohol and long-term health risks.
In a statement released this week, the Community Connections Substance Abuse Prevention Systems Coalition said it is sharing concerns first raised by the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance, emphasizing the need for transparency and accurate health information for Nebraska families.
“Living in Lincoln County, we hope to pride ourselves on looking out for one another,” the coalition stated. “We value honesty, hard work, and making the best decisions for our families.”
According to the coalition, the updated dietary guidelines no longer include several elements that were previously considered standard in public health guidance related to alcohol consumption.
The coalition said the guidelines no longer clearly define what constitutes a “standard drink,” which can make it more difficult for individuals to understand and monitor alcohol intake.
They also said information linking alcohol use to long-term health risks has been reduced or omitted. Those risks include cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, stroke, digestive problems, weakened immune systems, and alcohol use disorders.
“The federal government’s previous research showing that no amount of alcohol is safe for our health has also been left out,” the coalition stated.
The group also pointed to missing national data related to alcohol-related deaths and addiction, noting that alcohol is addictive and associated with approximately 178,000 deaths in the United States each year. According to the coalition, consuming one alcoholic drink per day carries a 1-in-1,000 risk of an alcohol-related death, with that risk increasing significantly with higher levels of consumption.
The coalition also expressed concern that guidance explaining why individuals under 21 should avoid alcohol entirely has been weakened in the updated guidelines.
“We all want to be around for our grandkids, and we want our children to grow up safe,” the statement said. “When we don't have the full picture of the risks, it’s harder to protect our health.”
The coalition emphasized that its concerns are not about restricting alcohol or limiting personal choice.
“This is not about bans, restrictions, or telling people what choices to make,” the coalition said. “We are simply asking our leaders in Washington to be transparent and ensure national health guidance is based on science.”
The coalition is calling on federal leaders to release the full Alcohol Intake and Health Study and to ensure future dietary guidance reflects independent research rather than industry influence.
“Our community is built on trust,” the coalition stated. “We believe our national health guidance should reflect that same commitment to honesty and transparency so we can keep looking out for each other.”
The information cited by the coalition was obtained from a report by the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance.