News Update
Feb. 19, 2010

New Research Review Finds Insufficient Evidence to Link Saturated Fat with Cardiovascular Disease

A new meta-analysis of existing research on the link between dietary saturated fat and the risk of heart disease and stroke has found that “there is no significant evidence for concluding that dietary saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of CHD (coronary heart disease) or CVD (cardio-vascular disease).”

The study appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and was authored by researchers at the Harvard University School of Public Health and the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute.

Researchers combined the relative risk rates from 21 studies that represented 347,747 people whose diets and health outcomes had been followed prospectively for 5-23 years. This National Institutes of Health-funded meta-analysis is among the largest ever done on saturated fat and heart disease and is likely to reverberate through the research community. The researchers do conclude that more research should be conducted to elucidate key findings.

“This study is critically important because of its size and statistical power,” said AMI Foundation President James Hodges. “No doubt, it will be viewed with skepticism by some researchers who believe strongly in a link between heart disease and saturated fat. But when it comes to science, we must view new findings with an open mind and critical thought. Without an open mind, we risk enacting misguided public policies.”

Hodges said he has seen individual studies that have questioned the link between saturated fat and heart disease, and he is not surprised that a summary of the evidence generated these results. Hodges noted that the study’s findings are critically important in a year when the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans are being revised and changes are being made to our national nutrition policy.

“While this study may not reflect prevailing nutrition advice, it is a very substantial body of work,” Hodges said. “It is important to note the study’s authors relied upon 21 peer-reviewed papers in the scientific literature that represent some of the leading thinkers in nutrition research. The magnitude of this study and its findings merit both respect and thoughtful consideration.”

To view the full paper, click here www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/ajcn.2009.27725v1.

— Release by AMI.

American Farm Bureau Federation Statement 

The following is a statement by Bob Stallman, president, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), regarding challenge to endangerment finding.

“The American Farm Bureau Federation has filed a legal challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) December finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. The agency’s action constitutes the first step toward economy-wide regulation of greenhouse gases. It is an effort to achieve through regulation what has failed to pass Congress and failed as well at the Copenhagen talks.

“EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from farms and ranches through the Clean Air Act could lead to costly and burdensome mandates on America’s food, fiber and renewable fuel producers. It is imperative that the U.S. Court of Appeals conduct a thorough review of the EPA’s endangerment finding.”

— Release by AFBF.

Pfizer Animal Health Partners with Customers to Contribute More Than $1.3 Million to FFA, Veterinary Scholarships in 2009

In 2009, Pfizer Animal Health contributed more than $1.3 million to support FFA programs and help fund the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Foundation/Pfizer Veterinary Student Scholarships through a unique partnership with veterinarians, animal health suppliers and dealers. On Feb. 18, Pfizer announced the same program is available for 2010 through March 31. 

During this time, eligible accounts completing an enrollment form will receive a 1% rebate on all Pfizer Animal Health Cattle Products, excluding MGA purchases, invoiced and shipped Jan. 1 through March 31, 2010, to be donated to either the local FFA chapter(s) of their choice or to the AABP Foundation/Pfizer Veterinary Student Scholarship Fund. 

“Last year’s response from both FFA members and local animal health suppliers was exciting,” says Will Fett, regional director, National FFA Foundation. “Contributions like these help strengthen local FFA chapters and expand offerings available to students. Just as important, members are able to make connections with their local animal health professionals.” 

Last year, more than 1,160 Pfizer Animal Health suppliers contributed to FFA chapters. In addition, the program raised more than $212,400 for the AABP Foundation scholarships. Pfizer Animal Health donations assist FFA chapters with classroom materials, educational opportunities, travel to the National FFA Convention and much more. The AABP Foundation/Pfizer Veterinary Student Scholarships are awarded to beef and dairy veterinary students across the nation and help offset the high costs of veterinary school.

“All of our futures are dependent upon the next generation of veterinarians and producers,” says Julian Garcia, FFA alumnus and group director, Pfizer Animal Health. “Our company greatly appreciates the vital role both FFA and the AABP Foundation play in nurturing and supporting interest in our industry. By working together, we are making a difference.”

— Release by Pfizer Animal Health.

New Web Site Closely Monitors HSUS Activities

The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) has launched a web site that will constantly monitor activities of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). HumaneWatch.org will include a blog written by CCF Director of Research David Martosko, a growing document library and a database capable of tracking the dozens of organizations that make up HSUS.

HSUS is the most powerful force in the animal rights movement. The organization raises nearly $100 million annually from Americans who largely believe their donations help support local pet shelters and improve the lives of dogs and cats. According to CCF, less than 1/2% of the 2008 HSUS budget was allocated to human societies that house unwanted pets. Martosko said much of the money raised by HSUS is used to distribute animal rights propaganda and fund far-reaching anti-meat campaigns.

“Someone had to ask the hard questions about the Humane Society of the United States, and HumaneWatch will be a relentless source of useful information,” said Martosko.

CCF is a non-profit coalition organized to protect consumer choices. Funding from the group comes from restaurants, food companies and consumers.

— Release by the Kansas Livestock Association.

— Compiled by Mathew Elliott, assistant editor, Angus Productions Inc.