A newly formed state committee in Texas is tasked with developing comprehensive nutrition guidelines and educational requirements for medical providers within a demanding timeline. The Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee (TNAC) must submit its findings by September 2024, focusing on how nutrition impacts health and the role of ultra-processed foods in chronic diseases.
Established during the 2025 legislative session, the TNAC’s objectives are far-reaching. In addition to crafting dietary guidelines, the committee will outline educational requirements related to nutrition, spanning all educational stages from kindergarten to medical training. Dr. Jaclyn Albin, chair of the TNAC and associate program director for UT Southwestern’s Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “Texas is going to be setting a national momentum around addressing these issues with intention,” she stated.
The committee convened for its first meeting this week, recognizing the significant responsibilities ahead. In addition to establishing guidelines, TNAC is expected to conduct an independent review of scientific studies that analyze the health effects of ultra-processed foods. This focus aligns with recent announcements from federal health agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, which have urged the public to “eat real food” and limit processed options.
Dr. Albin noted that while there are existing systematic reviews on ultra-processed foods, producing a comprehensive report will be challenging. “We could definitely focus in on areas where we think there are gaps and relook at the literature thoroughly,” she said, highlighting the rigorous and time-intensive nature of the task. Collaborating with established academic and research institutions may help facilitate this process, but funding constraints could limit potential partnerships.
Kathleen Davis, vice chair of the committee and associate professor of nutrition at Texas Women’s University, expressed concern over the scale of the project. “This is a small group for what seems like a really large project,” she said, stressing the need for solid recommendations that will inform continuing education for various professions, including doctors and dietitians. “If it’s very delayed, then there are a lot of groups waiting for guidance,” she added.
Lawmakers anticipate implementing the guidelines for medical education as early as this fall. This expectation tightens the committee’s timeline, pressuring members to work efficiently. While many committees meet quarterly, Dr. Albin suggested that the TNAC should convene monthly, especially in the early stages of their work, to maintain momentum. “We’re really looking at six months as a deadline for our first report,” she explained.
To meet its objectives, the TNAC has formed two workgroups: one dedicated to defining “ultra-processed foods” and another focused on identifying strengths and gaps in existing research. Dr. Albin expressed her desire for the committee’s approach to be resource-rich, ensuring they can share evidence-based resources and potentially create new ones for Texans.
Given the potential impact of the committee’s findings, Dr. Albin aims for the report to be accessible and not overly burdensome on the state’s educational systems. “It’s very much part of the mission of what we’re doing that we’re able to better equip Texans to make sense of the science,” she said. The ultimate goal is to empower individuals to take meaningful steps toward improving nutrition in various settings, including schools, homes, and medical education.
As the committee embarks on this crucial work, its members remain committed to engaging fellow Texans who share a passion for advancing public health through nutrition. The upcoming months are set to be pivotal in shaping the nutritional landscape in Texas, with implications that could resonate well beyond state lines.
