From: Thomas Gremillion <tgremillion@consumerfed.

org>
Sent: Thursday, January 07, 2016 11:55 AM
To: Tagtow, Angela CNPP <angela.tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov >
Subject: Invitation to participate in the 39th Annual National Food Policy Conference (Apr.6)
Dear Dr. Tagtow,
Im writing to invite you to participate on a panel discussion at CFAs National Food Policy Conference, scheduled
to take place April 6-7, 2016 at the Capital Hilton hotel in Washington DC. Ive attached our program agenda to this
email.
The panel is a breakout panel titled Turning Nutrition Science into Policy and will take place on Wednesday, April
6 from 11:15-12:30. The panel will explore claims that food policy is not keeping up with the latest nutrition science, and
the roles of legislators, regulators, the courts, and industry in determining what Americans eat. Mary Pat Raimondi
suggested that you might be able to talk about what USDA does to implement the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,
which I think would be of interest to our audience. Currently, I am hoping the other members of
the panel will include a member of Dietary Guidelines advisory committee, a consumer advocate, and an official
from a food company that is reformulating its products to make them healthier.
We ask each panelist to take about 7-10 minutes to provide their perspective on the issue and then the moderator
(TBD) will open the panel up to discussion among the panelists and Q&A from the audience. Powerpoint will not be
available in the breakout sessions, but we can make handouts available.
For 39 years, the National Food Policy Conference has been a Washington institution and a unique collaboration
between consumer advocates, the food industry and government. It is a key national gathering for those interested in
agriculture, food and nutrition policy. The conference typically draws about 300 people each year, with an unusual mix
of policymakers, advocates, health professionals, food industry representatives, and academicians. Members from both
houses of Congress, Administration officials such as the Secretaries of HHS and USDA, the FDA Commissioner and EPA
Administrator, and leading academics in the field are among our speakers each year. The conference typically draws
national print press media and frequently network news.
Consumer Federation of America organizes the conference each year. CFA is the nations largest consumer advocacy
organization, made up of approximately 300 pro-consumer groups across the country. We were founded in 1968 to
advance the consumer interest through research, education and advocacy.
Thank you for your consideration of this request. Id be happy to answer any questions you might have.
-Thomas
Thomas Gremillion
Director of Food Policy
Consumer Federation of America
1620 Eye Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
202-939-1010
tgremillion@consumerfed.org
Twitter:@CFAFoodPolicy

From: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP [mailto:Angela.Tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov]

Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 2016 8:55 AM
To: Thomas Gremillion <tgremillion@consumerfed.org>
Cc: Cole, Susan - CNPP (Contractor) <susan.cole@cnpp.usda.gov>; Haven, Jackie - CNPP
<Jackie.Haven@cnpp.usda.gov>; Fu, Stephenie - CNPP <Stephenie.Fu@cnpp.usda.gov>; Rihane, Colette - CNPP
<Colette.Rihane@cnpp.usda.gov>; Essery, Eve - CNPP <Eve.Essery@fns.usda.gov>; Maniscalco, Shelley - CNPP
<Shelley.Maniscalco@cnpp.usda.gov>; Larson, Jessica - CNPP <jessica.larson1@cnpp.usda.gov>
Subject: FW: Invitation to participate in the 39th Annual National Food Policy Conference (Apr.6)
Good Morning Thomas,
Thank you for the invitation to participate in the nutrition science panel on April 6. Yes, I am interested in participating
in this session and can address how the Dietary Guidelines are applied to Federal food and nutrition programs.
Please let me know of the other panelists when they confirm their participation. Best
Regards,
--Angie
Angie Tagtow, MS, RD, LD
Executive Director | Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
United States Department of Agriculture
3101 Park Center Drive, Suite 1034 | Alexandria, VA 22302
703.305.7600 | angela.tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov
Nutrition Evidence Library | Dietary Guidelines for Americans | MyPlate
From: Thomas Gremillion [mailto:tgremillion@consumerfed.org]
Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 2016 9:45 AM
To: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP
Cc: Cole, Susan - CNPP (Contractor); Haven, Jackie - CNPP; Fu, Stephenie - CNPP; Rihane, Colette - CNPP; Essery,
Eve - CNPP; Maniscalco, Shelley - CNPP; Larson, Jessica - CNPP
Subject: RE: Invitation to participate in the 39th Annual National Food Policy Conference (Apr.6)
Hi Angie,
Thats great news! I will be in touch as we get the other panelists confirmed. I look forward to working with you.
Best, Thomas
From: Tagtow, Angela CNPP [mailto:Angela.Tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov]
Sent: Friday, January 22, 2016 11:04 AM
To: Thomas Gremillion <tgremillion@consumerfed.org>
Subject: RE: Invitation to participate in the 39th Annual National Food Policy Conference (Apr.6)
Hi Thomas, a thought for this session. Have you thought about having an administrator from one of the Federal
programs or someone from the local level - talk about how the Dietary Guidelines and/or healthy eating messages
such as MyPlate are applied to their program? Just a thought, thanks - Angie
From: Thomas Gremillion [mailto:tgremillion@consumerfed.org]
Sent: Friday, January 22, 2016 11:20 AM
To: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP
Subject: RE: Invitation to participate in the 39th Annual National Food Policy Conference (Apr.6)
Hi Angie,
That is an interesting suggestion. Currently I have slated on the panel you, Margo Wootan from the Center for Science in
the Public Interest, and Helene Clark from the Schwann Food Co., who I hope can talk about how that company is
responding to new standards for school lunches. I had invited a member of the Dietary Guidelines Committee (Lucile
Adams-Campbell) but she is not available so I am looking for someone to fill that spot. Is there anyone in particular that
you had in mind?
Thanks! Thomas

From: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP [mailto:Angela.Tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov]

Sent: Monday, February 01, 2016 2:50 PM
To: Thomas Gremillion <tgremillion@consumerfed.org>
Subject: RE: Invitation to participate in the 39th Annual National Food Policy Conference (Apr.6) Good Afternoon
Thomas,
I wanted to check to see who has agreed to be part of this panel session to make sure my approach is not duplicative of others.
Have you received a commitment from a DGAC member?
Second, do you anticipate that CSPI and Schwann will focus specifically on school meals? If yes, I want to be clear that CNPP does
not work directly in that space, however, what I can address is how the DGAs are implemented across the Federal family. Will this
approach still meet your objectives for this session?
Thanks for the clarifications,
--Angie
Angie Tagtow, MS, RD, LD
Executive Director | Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
United States Department of Agriculture
3101 Park Center Drive, Suite 1034 | Alexandria, VA 22302
703.305.7600 | angela.tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov
Nutrition Evidence Library | Dietary Guidelines for Americans | MyPlate
From: Thomas Gremillion [mailto:tgremillion@consumerfed.org]
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2016 3:08 PM
To: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP
Subject: RE: Invitation to participate in the 39th Annual National Food Policy Conference (Apr.6) Hi Angie,
Thanks for touching base. As it turns out, Schwann cannot do the panel. I am talking with another food company
that does not specialize in school lunches. I have yet to confirm a DGAC member although I have an outstanding invitation to
Mary Story at Duke University. I will let you know I get some confirmations. Best, Thomas
From: Thomas Gremillion
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2016 12:54 PM
To: 'Margo Wootan' <mwootan@cspinet.org>; 'bmillen@bu.edu' <bmillen@bu.edu>; 'Tagtow, Angela - CNPP'
<Angela.Tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov>
Subject: Panelist info for Natl Food Policy Conference
Hi Margo, Barbara, and Angie,
Thank you again for your willingness to participate in a breakout panel at the 2016 National Food Policy Conference, which will
take place April 6-7 at the Capital Hilton hotel, located at 1001 16th St NW in Washington DC. Our most up to date agenda is on
our website. As a panelist, we have already registered you for the conference, and you are welcome to attend as many sessions
as you would like.
Your panel is titled Turning Nutrition Science into Policy and will take place on Wednesday, April 6 from 11:1512:30. Please limit your presentation to approximately 7-10 minutes so that there is adequate time for discussion and questions
from the audience, which is always an important part of the session. Power point capabilities are NOT available for breakout
sessions, although you may bring handouts if desired. Approximately 75-100 copies should be sufficient.
Moderating your panel will be Sue Pitman of FoodMinds, LLC. I have asked Sue to be in touch with you prior to the conference.
However if you need to reach her, her email is spitman@foodminds.com.
I am currently seeking out a replacement for our planned fourth panelist, a representative from a food processing company that is
changing the nutritional profile of its products. I will let you know who we find as soon as we receive confirmation.
Please let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to a stimulating panel discussion.
Sincerely,
Thomas

From: Thomas Gremillion

Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2016 12:20 PM
To: 'Margo Wootan' <mwootan@cspinet.org>; 'bmillen@bu.edu' <bmillen@bu.edu>; 'Tagtow, Angela - CNPP'
<Angela.Tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov>
Cc: Nina Teicholz <teicholz@gmail.com>
Subject: RE: Panelist info for Natl Food Policy Conference
Hi again Margo, Barbara, and Angie,
I apologize for inundating your inboxes this week but I wanted to let you know that we have confirmed Nina Teicholz (cced) as our
fourth panelist. Nina is an investigative journalist and author of The Big, Fat Surprise.
You should hear soon from your moderator Sue Pitman. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact me with questions.
Thanks, Thomas

From: Margo Wootan [mailto:mwootan@cspinet.org]

Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2016 10:31 PM
To: Thomas Gremillion
Cc: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP
Subject: Re: Panelist info for Natl Food Policy Conference
I'm not keen on being on a panel with Teicholz She's not at all credible. Over 180 scientist called into question the accuracy of a
recent BMJ article she wrote (asking it to be retracted--it was that bad). Can we discuss?
Margo Wootan
Sent from my iPhone

From: Millen, Barbara E [mailto:bmillen@bu.edu]

Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2016 5:33 PM
To: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP
Subject: URGENT: Panelist info for Natl Food Policy Conference
Angie,
I just had a rather long conversation with Thomas and expressed my great concern that he invited Nina Teicholz to the panel
without informing us. I apologize for this email. I would have called but Im sure it is well past your office hours. I will convey the
main points of my conversation with Thomas and ask that you email him or call him directly.
Basically, I said that this development and specifically the inclusion of Ms. Teicholz changed the panel quite negatively and could
result in quite antagonistic situation. I suggested he reconsider including her and indicated that I would hate to withdraw but
would do so if necessary.
I also expressed that to Thomas that he and other in his organization should have been aware of Ms. Teicholz public views on the
DGAC report and the DGAs and that I found it very surprising that they included her at all but certainly without discussing the
possibility with the other panelists in advance of making the invitation.
I hope you agree. I imagine you do. Thomas would like to hear from you directly and hopes you can call or email him in the
morning. He called me back within minutes of getting my email this evening.
If you wish to try to reach me, I am traveling but can be reached at 781-413-6730 (my cell). I have intermittent service but I will call
you back if I dont answer.
Best, Barbara
Dr. Barbara E. Millen
bmillen@bu.edu

On Mar 9, 2016, at 6:11 PM, Tagtow, Angela - CNPP <Angela.Tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov> wrote:

Thomas, good evening and thank you for the update. I would like to visit with you tomorrow about USDA's
concerns about this change of course for this panel presentation. Is there a good time for a phone call on
Thursday? Let me know the best time and number to reach you and I'll give you a call. Best, Angie

On Mar 9, 2016, at 6:14 PM, Thomas Gremillion <tgremillion@consumerfed.org> wrote:

Hi Angie,
Thanks for contacting me. My morning is free tomorrow. Does 9:30 work for you? Best, Thomas

From: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP [mailto:Angela.Tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov]

Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2016 7:01 PM
To: Thomas Gremillion <tgremillion@consumerfed.org>
Subject: Re: Panelist info for Natl Food Policy Conference
I'll be in transit at that time but could do 10:30am. Does that work on your end? Many thanks
Angie Tagtow | Executive Director | Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion | USDA | 703.305.7600

From: Thomas Gremillion [mailto:tgremillion@consumerfed.org]

Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2016 9:39 AM
To: Margo Wootan; bmillen@bu.edu; Tagtow, Angela - CNPP
Cc: spitman@foodminds.com
Subject: RE: Panelist info for Natl Food Policy Conference
Hello again,
In light of the feedback I have received from all of the panelists expressing concern about the change in the tenor of the discussion
that would result from adding Ms. Teicholz, we are going to go with a different fourth panelist (or possibly only the three panelists).
I will let you know when/if we confirm someone.
Thank you all for reaching out to me with your feedback. Best,
Thomas

On Mar 10, 2016, at 9:40 AM, Thomas Gremillion <tgremillion@consumerfed.org> wrote:

Just talked with Nina and gave her the news. Let me know if you would still like to talk at 10:30. Thanks, Thomas

From: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP

Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2016 9:53 AM
To: Thomas Gremillion
Subject: Re: Panelist info for Natl Food Policy Conference
Hi Thomas, thank you for addressing the concerns. No, we do not need to visit today. If you are looking for an industry
panelist, Philippe Caradec from Danon has a compelling story on product reformulation. Best, Angie
Angie Tagtow, MS, RD, LD
Executive Director | Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
United States Department of Agriculture
3101 Park Center Drive, Suite 1034 | Alexandria, VA 22302
703.305.7600 | angela.tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov

From: Thomas Gremillion [mailto:tgremillion@consumerfed.org]

Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2016 12:26 PM
To: Margo Wootan; bmillen@bu.edu; Tagtow, Angela - CNPP
Subject: RE: Panelist info for Natl Food Policy Conference
Hi Margo, Barbara, and Angie,
I wanted to let you know that I have confirmed as our fourth panelist:
Maureen Storey, PhD
President and CEO
Alliance for Potato Research and Education
You should hear soon from your moderator Sue Pitman. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact me with questions.
Thanks, Thomas
From: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP [mailto:Angela.Tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov]
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2016 8:58 PM
To: Millen, Barbara E
Subject: FW: Panelist info for Natl Food Policy Conference
Hi Barbara,
Let me know if you have time for a phone call this week. We should have a strategy for this panel session.
Shoot me some dates, times and the best number to reach you and Ill give you a call.
Thanks,
--Angie
From: Millen, Barbara E [mailto:bmillen@bu.edu]
Sent: Monday, March 21, 2016 8:29 AM
To: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP
Subject: RE: Panelist info for Natl Food Policy Conference
Thanks much. Best times are Wednesday the 23rd before 11 or after 3 tomorrow, the 22nd. Either work for you? Barbara
Dr. Barbara E. Millen
bmillen@bu.edu
From: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP
Sent: Monday, March 21, 2016 10:00 AM
To: 'Millen, Barbara E'
Subject: RE: Panelist info for Natl Food Policy Conference
Thanks Barbara, lets try Tue, Mar 22 at 3:30pm ET. I can call you let me know the best number to reach you. Thanks
From: Susan Pitman
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 9:29 AM
To: Maureen Storey <mstorey@apre.org>; Angela Tagtow <Angela.Tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov>; Barbara Millen <bmillen@bu.edu>;
Margo Wootan <mwootan@cspinet.org>
Cc: Annie Buckley <abuckley@foodminds.com>
Subject: Food Policy Conference Turning Nutrition Science into Policy panel prep call
Dear Barbara, Angela, Maureen and Margo,
Im excited to moderate our panel Turning Nutrition Science into Policy at the upcoming Food Policy Conference. As a reminder,
our panel is on Wednesday, April 6 from 11:15-12:30.
I thought it would be good to try to connect with you all prior to the panel to discuss our panel and have a quick discussion about

content you would like to address so we are all aware of each others comments so we can have a robust discussion.
Schedules are likely to be challenging so it may be difficult to find a time that will work for all of us. If thats the case, Ill connect
with you each separately and then update the group.
Ive copied my colleague, Annie Buckley, on this email to help us schedule 30-45 minutes for a call in the next two week.
Thanks for your participation and I look forward to working with you! Best regards,
Sue
Susan Pitman, MA, RD Partner
spitman@foodminds.com
202.684.6058 x201
202.431.5285 mobile
FoodMinds, LLC
1001 Connecticut Ave, NW Suite 1225
Washington, DC 20036
From: Annie Buckley [mailto:abuckley@foodminds.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 10:21 AM
To: Susan Pitman; Maureen Storey; Tagtow, Angela - CNPP; Barbara Millen; Margo Wootan
Subject: RE: Food Policy Conference Turning Nutrition Science into Policy panel prep call
Good Morning Barbara, Angela, Maureen and Margo,
Please let me know if you have any availability in the below windows of time for a 30-45 minute call: Thursday,
March 31, 10:30 am 12:30 pm ET
Thursday, March 31, 3:30 pm 5:00 pm ET
Friday, April 1, 1:00 pm 4:00 pm ET
Sue will be attending EB in San Diego April 2-4. If you are planning to attend and would like to meet in person, please let me
know and we can try to schedule a meeting.
Thank you, Annie
Annie Buckley
abuckley@foodminds.com
202.684.6058 ext. 202 Office
202.430.0809 Mobile
202.449.8328 Fax
From: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP
Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 7:28 AM
To: Margo Wootan
Cc: Barbara Millen
Subject: FW: Food Policy Conference Turning Nutrition Science into Policy panel prep call
Good Morning Margo,
Great to see you yesterday. Barbara and I visited yesterday about this session and division of roles. We are considering the
following:
Title: Turning Nutrition Science into Policy
1.
2.

Angie What are the 2015 DGAs, audience, purpose, application across Federal policies and programs, translation to
consumer resources and tools we thought it was important to start with the foundation of what the DGs are.
Barbara Confirmation of transfer of science from DGAC scientific report to the 2015 DGAs, innovation and
implementation of the DGAs across web and mobile platforms, emphasis on the many ways to achieve a healthy dietary
pattern. Barbara, if you mention SuperTracker, I will not in my remarks.

3.
4.

Margo You mentioned yesterday that you were considering addressing the heightened attack on
nutrition science using fat as the example do you have any other thoughts?
Maureen just to let you both know that APRE is a MyPlate National Strategic Partner, although I did not recommend
APRE to be part of this session

Thanks to you both, we should anticipate a lively Q&A for this session too.
--Angie
From: Nina Teicholz [mailto:teicholz@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 8:16 PM
To: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP
Subject: CFA Food Policy panel
Dear Angie,
I hope this finds you well.
I guess you know by now that a fan of mine started a petition to reinstate me to the food policy panel from which I was disinvited,
and there are now nearly 3,000 signers.
Although you and I may have differing views about how nutrition science has been translated into policy, I'm sure we agree that
good science (and thus, good policy) requires open debate. Given the continued rising tide of obesity and diabetes, shouldn't
there a frank discussion about different ideas about possible causes and solutions?
And if you believe I've made mistakes in my analysis, then isn't this something to raise in a panel discussion? Thomas
Gremillion told me that you, along with the two other panel members, refused to participate if I were included. If that is not
true, please let me know.
The question is now how to repair a situation where it appears the government is shutting down discussion. I don't know if you
would support inviting me back on the panel, but it seems that this would be the right thing to do. I look forward to hearing back
from you.
All best regards,
Nina Teicholz
From: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP [mailto:Angela.Tagtow@cnpp.usda.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 12:33 PM
To: Nina Teicholz <teicholz@gmail.com>
Cc: Thomas Gremillion <tgremillion@consumerfed.org>
Subject: RE: CFA Food Policy panel
Good Afternoon Nina,
Thank you for your email and for reaching out. As I hope youve experienced with us to date, CNPP is open to hearing all
points of view and believes its an important part of our process, especially as it relates to nutrition science.
I want to be clear, no one here at CNPP, or within USDA, contacted Thomas to decline participation in the panel after he sent an
update saying CFA had identified a fourth speaker you, at the time. Please feel free to confirm that with Thomas, ccd here.
That said, let me take this opportunity to correct misinformation you may have received. First, it was my understanding
from Thomas initial invitation and updates along the way was that in keeping with the discussion being about going from
science to policy to implementation my role was to address how USDA implements the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Second, it was my understanding that the fourth speaker was to be a member of the food industry with a perspective on
product reformulations related to the Dietary Guidelines (see below for reference). To that point, I had not received any
indication from Thomas that the focus of the session, or my role, had changed to include a debate about nutrition science.
Nina, I am simply an invited panelist. I would not make it my or CNPPs place to supersede the decisions of CFA on session
objectives or who the organization chooses for its panel speakers.
I hope this helps clarify any misunderstanding you may have on this panel session. Again, thank you for reaching out.
Best regards, Angie

On Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 1:26 PM, Thomas Gremillion <tgremillion@consumerfed.org> wrote:
Good afternoon Nina and Angie,
Angie thank you for including me in this discussion. Everything you have said below is accurate. Nina, I apologize again for my
error in extending you an invitation to appear on this panel. As you can see on our website, we now have a full roster of speakers
for this panel and we do not intend to change the panel makeup.
Best wishes, Thomas

From: Nina Teicholz [mailto:teicholz@gmail.com]

Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2016 12:13 AM
To: Thomas Gremillion
Cc: Tagtow, Angela - CNPP
Subject: Re: CFA Food Policy panel
Dear Thomas and Angie,
Thanks for your emails. I'm truly sorry to cause you any distress, but there is a strong sense, now shared by some 3500 people,
including many scientists and MDs, who signed a petition on my behalf, that I should not have been disinvited from the panel. What
prevents from adding another chair to the discussion?
Angie, I'm glad to hear that you had no objection to my participating. My inclusion would serve the purpose of addressing one of
the intended topics of the panel, which was (from the text you sent below), "claims that food policy is not keeping up with the
latest nutrition science." This point of view unfortunately does not appear to be represented on the now-revised panel. My
inclusion would also arguably fill the consumer advocacy position, since CSPI is so close to the government on these particular
issues.
The appearance of silencing debate on important issues cannot be in anyone's favor. A better solution would be to appear open to
different points of view in the spirit of improving policy so that people might suffer less from nutrition-related diseases. And if
"alternative" views on nutrition are wrong and misguided, what better opportunity than a discussion to quell any doubts? I am
hopeful, still, that you might reconsider.
My thanks. All best, Nina