NAMA appreciates the White House’s interest in ensuring the health of the nation’s children. For centuries, millers have been the indispensable link between farmers and foods that have sustained people’s lives.
American farmers are the foundation of the safe, affordable food supply that consumers depend on. Milling is a form of food processing that transforms raw grain from the farm into flour, cereals, and other ingredients used to make a wide variety of nutritious, delicious, and safe food options that are affordable and available year-round.
Both whole and vitamin-enriched refined grain foods are crucial to public health. Processing is not a reliable indicator of nutritional value. Instead, we should consider the nutritional profile of individual foods, as well as their specific role in the diet. Furthermore, processing is designed for food safety and shelf stability, improving accessibility.
NAMA and its members have long partnered across the value chain with organizations such as the Grain Foods Foundation to better understand the nutritional benefits of our products. As the MAHA Commission’s work continues, NAMA seeks opportunities for food and agricultural stakeholders to engage in support of science- and risk-based decision making.