> So I'd argue that the bigger problem is people reading oversimplified reports of scientific information.

And what about the AHA[1] and other policy makers and shapers? What leads them to make recommendations based on weakly established conclusions?

I think the pressure to deliver, and the lack of generalist knowledge are somehow involved here. In the case of food and drugs, I would also blame elitism.

[1] http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter...