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Proposed changes to the federal government’s recommendations for a healthy diet has Alberta’s beef producers seeing red.

In its first revamp in a decade, the Canada Food Guide is expected to recommend a drastic reduction of dairy, butter and beef consumption as part of what it recommends as a balanced and nutritional diet.

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Health Canada is also considering replacing the guide’s Meats and Alternates category with one encompassing all sources of protein — both animal and plant based.

That’s a concern to Canada Beef spokeswoman Joyce Parslow, who’s concerned these changes negate the importance of a balanced diet.

“We’re concerned that’s not really very helpful for consumers — they buy foods, they don’t buy nutrients,” she said.

“To lump meat, dairy products and plant-based sources of protein all in one, saying they’re rich sources of protein — it’s not even true.”

Concerns are being raised after Health Canada released a series of ‘guiding principles’ earlier in the summer, purportedly advocating a shift from red meat consumption in favour of plant-based protein and foods high in fibre.