AN attack by the nation’s nutrition watchdog on one of the hottest diet trends has sparked a messy, months-long, social media food fight.
The Dietitians Association of Australia has enthusiastically warned Aussies off the popular Paleo diet which it has labelled “potentially dangerous”.
But wellness advocates — including celebrity chef Pete Evans — are biting back online, using social media to question the DAA’s agenda.
The DAA - “the country’s leading nutrition body” - released a press release in July saying the paleo diet — which advocates quitting grains, legumes and some dairy — is “not all it’s cracked up to be”.
But its statement sparked a social media backlash and baseless conspiracy theories that the DAA was influenced by its sponsors, which include the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council, Dairy Australia, Kellogg’s, Nestle and Unilever (the maker of brands including Street’s Ice Cream and Flora margarine).
The press release, titled Don’t go the Paleo way, was issued within days of Evans wrapping up his seven-cityThe Paleo way Australian tour.
DAA CEO Claire Hewat said the scientific evidence to support eating like our Palaeolithic ancestors “just doesn’t stack up” and slated the studies.
“Some proponents of ‘paleo’ suggest we avoid all grains, legumes, certain dairy products, conventionally raised meats, non-organic produce, and genetically modified and processed foods. This simply isn’t practical for many Australians,” she said.
“Australians eat from a range of foods from the entire food supply and the reality is that includes many processed foods, so we can’t ignore this part of the food supply.
“We all eat, and so to a certain extent, we know what food makes us feel good. But rather than getting on the latest fad diet bandwagon, I urge Australians to become familiar with the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADGs) and to seek expert nutrition advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitians.”
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A lamb burger ... On the menu at paleo Cafe in Townsville, Queensland. Picture: Fiona Harding / News Corp AustraliaSource: News Corp Australia
But Evans says the DAA’s arguments against Paleo eating are weak.
“They say it is expensive, which I can prove it isn’t. They also say it is hard, which I can prove it isn’t,” he said.
“I don’t believe that the DAA fully understand the paleo way of eating. They think it is high in protein and low in nutrients. This is just not true.
“They keep on hanging their hats on that it’s about what and how cavemen ate, which is not what the paleo way is about either. They keep on attacking it saying that this can never be the case — which is obvious, so it’s a moot point anyway, but they won’t let it go.”
The DAA this month published a three-part series on the diet’s merits, practicality and cost, as well as a position statement.
But it’s the DAA’s insistence that processed food can form part of a healthy diet that’s made Evans more than angry.
The 41-year-old, who gained a health coach qualification from New York’s Institute of Integrative Nutrition, has told his 320,000-plus Facebook fans that the DAA has ignited a “raging fire” in his belly.
“Why does the DAA and Heart Foundation have financial ties to multinational processed food corporations that litter the supermarket shelves with so-called ‘healthy foods’?” he wrote.
A DAA spokeswoman told News Corp Australia the organisation is committed to “being transparent and maintaining independent views”.
The DAA would not provide a breakdown of funds received from the food industry last financial year.
“This information is commercial in confidence,” she said.
“Revenue from DAA’s Corporate Partnerships makes up a small percentage of the Association’s overall annual income.”
According to its most recent annual report, it represents about 15 per cent of its income and is its third largest revenue source at $661,000 (after membership and conference/seminar fees).
Evans acknowledged these sponsorships may not affect the DAA’s nutritional advice.
“Whatever the case, it sits in the same category as research studies that are sponsored by the food that they’re claiming to have a benefit. You hope that there is no bias ” he said.
“DAA should be about real, whole food, in the true sense of the word and they should find other sponsors like cooking utensils, equipment and appliances.”
The membership body rejected claims its nutritional advice was influenced by commercial funding.
“DAA’s nutrition advice is based on the (ADGs) and also specific evidence for the nutritional management of medical conditions,” it said in a statement to News Corp Australia.
“DAA believes in working with all sectors — including the food industry — to achieve our mission. We can reach and influence more people in this way.
“DAA maintains its independence when working with Corporate Partners. We have a number of protections in place, such as binding legal contracts (which protect the independence of both organisations), robust and transparent policies and procedures ... and a risk assessment process before undertaking any partnership.”
The DAA said it did not endorse branded products and or participate in activities that may be perceived as an endorsement.
However, it allows food industry bodies such as the Egg Nutrition Council, to sponsor its national conferences.
DAA’s CEO Claire Hewat thinks the Paleo diet is not all its cracked up to be. Source: News Limited
Followed a Paleo diet for more than three years ... celebrity chef, Pete Evans. Picture: News Corp Australia Source:News Corp Australia
“Support from our partners allows us to better provide relevant and high quality Continuing Professional Development for our members.
“Our partners have opportunities to attend DAA conferences and some opportunities to communicate with our members.
“Dietitians are professionals who are able to assess information and make informed decisions. We do not wish to censor our members’ access to information. Such information can be a useful way for dietitians to stay up-to-date with companies and products.”
The DAA, which represents about 5000 Accredited Practising Dietitians, says the criticism is a storm in a tea cup.
It says there is no conflict of interest arising from these partnerships and it is not concerned about any false perception of a conflict. It also says it doesn’t need the sponsors to stay afloat.
“No, however as DAA is a not-for-profit membership organisation, the funds provide opportunities for all members, particularly where costs for conference venues would otherwise be preclusive.”
But the DAA may possibly be regretting its stance on the Paleo diet and subsequent press release.
After being contacted by News Corp Australia about the Paleo diet the DAA posted this message to its members:
“ATTENTION MEMBERS: DAA members will be aware of criticism of the Association and our members through social media by high-profile advocates of the Paleo diet. We have developed a clear Position Statement in response. While we will continue to monitor this issue, we do not wish to add more ‘oxygen’ to this by continuing to respond. With this in mind, DAA cautions members against further engaging in this issue through social media. Please consider that posting or commenting through social media may actually be creating. And as with all interactions, as professionals, DAA members must be conscious of the DAA Code of Professional Conduct and Statement of Ethical Practice.”
The DAA also issued a Position Statement saying “DAA is disappointed that our Association and our members are being attacked by vocal advocates of the Paleo diet. Our members work hard to make a real difference in people’s lives by helping and supporting them to eat better food and be healthier, and working on policy and product development to improve the food supply.
“Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) have years of university study behind them. In support of this, the APD credential is the only nutrition credential recognised by the Australian Government. As APDs, we base our decisions and advice on scientific fact. That means that in a world where ‘diets’ have become ‘trendy’ and may come and go, our advice is solid and dependable.
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