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US Potentially Entering a ‘New Prohibition Era’ Amidst Debate on Alcohol Consumption Guidelines
The United States could be on the verge of a ‘new prohibition era’ if the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary considers implementing a policy that would caution Americans against consuming any amount of alcohol. This potential shift in alcohol policy has sparked concerns about a return to stringent measures reminiscent of the prohibition period over a century ago, complete with clandestine bars and a changed social landscape.
Government Panel Pushes for Stricter Alcohol Guidelines
A little-known government advisory group is urging the U.S. to align with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) stance that ‘no level of alcohol consumption is safe for health.’ Advocates for stricter alcohol regulations, sometimes labeled as ‘neo-prohibitionists,’ are leveraging this report to advance their agenda, particularly concerning underage drinking.
Concerns Over Individual Rights and Potential Prohibition
However, this proposition is generating apprehension among bipartisan lawmakers who fear it could infringe upon individual liberties and pave the way for a renewed era of alcohol prohibition, almost a century after it was initially repealed. In October, a hundred members of Congress expressed their concerns in a letter, calling for a halt to the review of a report that links even moderate alcohol intake to approximately 200 health conditions.
The aforementioned 81-page report suggests a reduction in government recommendations regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Yet, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins have not publicly indicated their intended course of action concerning these proposed alterations.
Neither agency has officially responded to requests for comments regarding the possibility of lowering alcohol intake recommendations to zero. Notably, Secretary Kennedy is known to abstain from alcohol and has openly voiced concerns about its dangers. Former President Donald Trump also abstains from alcohol.
An anti-alcohol advocacy group is lobbying for the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) to advise against any alcohol consumption.
The Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture are responsible for issuing guidelines for the standard American diet every five years. Pictured: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (left) and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins (right)
Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and Potential Impact
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), jointly updated by the HHS and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) every five years, are poised to be revised. The upcoming guidelines, expected before December 31, 2025, will significantly shape American eating and drinking habits for the latter half of the decade.
The current 2020-2025 DGA suggests limiting daily alcohol consumption to two drinks for men and one for women. These existing recommendations are already seen as conservative, even as some claim that moderate drinking can elevate the risk of various health issues.
However, groups advocating for stricter measures believe the U.S. should consider outright prohibition or severe restrictions on alcohol. At a minimum, these groups are pushing for HHS and USDA to advise against any alcohol consumption, similar to current recommendations against tobacco use.
Fears of ‘Prohibition 2.0’
Concerns are mounting about a potential ‘prohibition 2.0’ as anti-alcohol factions hope the federal government will recommend complete abstinence from alcoholic beverages. HHS and USDA will also take into account findings from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), a congressionally mandated body providing dietary recommendations.
A significant movement is underway to reduce alcohol intake recommendations to zero for the 2025-2030 DGA, raising concerns that the U.S. might be heading towards a new prohibition era.
Historical Impact of Dietary Guidelines
While officially recommendations, the DGA exert considerable influence. Notably, these guidelines were the foundation for the food pyramid, which previously advised Americans to consume as many as 11 servings of grains daily. This model heavily influenced school health education and American dietary habits, emphasizing grains as the cornerstone of a healthy diet.
Current scientific understanding has shifted away from the pyramid to ‘MyPlate,’ which suggests grains should comprise only about a quarter of a meal, with protein occupying an equal portion. Should HHS and USDA adopt the latest report on alcohol consumption, the forthcoming 2025-2030 federal dietary guidelines could advise Americans that no level of intake is considered safe or healthy.
If the DGA adopts such a stance, it is conceivable that public policy could follow, potentially leading to increased restrictions on the legal purchase and consumption of alcohol.
‘Make America Healthy Again Commission’
The ‘Make America Healthy Again Commission,’ spearheaded by RFK Jr. and Rollins, convened its inaugural meeting in March. Both agencies announced a detailed review of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans issued by the previous administration.
‘It is the dawn of a new day,’ declared Secretary Rollins, as the agencies prepare the final DGA for the December 31, 2025 deadline. ‘We will ensure the 2025-2030 Guidelines are rooted in sound science, not political agendas. The era of ideologically driven public policy is over,’ she asserted.
The DGA is the same entity that introduced the food pyramid, which still shapes American dietary perceptions and once recommended 11 daily servings of bread, grains, and cereal.
The pyramid was updated in 2005 to reflect a more ‘balanced’ dietary approach than initially promoted.
The latest DGA recommendations, known as ‘MyPlate,’ advise that grains should constitute only about a quarter of a person’s plate during meals.
RFK Jr. added, ‘This is a significant stride towards making America the healthiest nation globally.’ Kennedy is known for his commitment to health and wellness, including a rigorous workout routine and focus on eliminating additives and chemicals from food products.
He commended the Food and Drug Administration for banning red dye No. 3 in food and ingested medications in January, following 30 years of studies linking the dye to cancer, especially thyroid cancer. RFK Jr. recently visited a Steak ‘n Shake restaurant to commend their switch from seed oils to 100 percent beef tallow for frying.