When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears before the Senate for his confirmation hearing as the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), he is expected to face intense examination regarding his controversial views on vaccines and alternative medical beliefs. Nevertheless, one area where he may find common ground with both parties is in the realm of food policy.
Kennedy has openly criticized ultra-processed foods, harmful additives, and the influence of large corporations in food production. While his anti-vaccine stance has attracted criticism, his dedication to addressing chronic diseases through improved food quality aligns with the priorities of many public health advocates across the political spectrum.
If he secures the position of HHS Secretary, Kennedy would hold significant influence over policies related to food regulation, nutrition standards, and federal dietary guidelines. Jerold Mande, a former senior adviser at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and deputy undersecretary for food safety during both Democratic administrations, acknowledges a strong bipartisan concern regarding ultra-processed foods.
As HHS Secretary, Kennedy would oversee the FDA, which is tasked with ensuring food safety and proper nutrition labeling. He would also play a crucial role in shaping the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a key document that guides federal nutrition policies. These guidelines are updated every five years and significantly influence public health messaging and food assistance initiatives. Mande notes that the development of these guidelines is often politically charged, with each administration leaving its mark. “It’s like the phases of the moon,” he states. “Currently, HHS has a peak level of influence, which is rare as dietary guidelines usually span two administrations.”
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Kennedy could leverage his role in the Dietary Guidelines process to push for stronger recommendations against ultra-processed foods, particularly those laden with sugar, unhealthy fats, and harmful additives. He has pledged to ban processed foods from school cafeterias and to enhance initiatives targeting food-related chronic diseases, which he believes have been largely ignored by both political parties. He has also advocated for reducing pesticide usage and limiting seed oils like canola and sunflower, which he argues worsen health problems in the U.S. Moreover, he has called for a ban on artificial food dyes, such as those present in popular cereals, claiming they adversely affect children’s health. “We need to stop feeding our children poison and start giving them real, wholesome food again,” Kennedy stated on X on November 2.
Kennedy has criticized the FDA for its lax regulations on food additives and processing standards. If confirmed, he is expected to push for tougher regulations, clearer food labeling, and greater transparency regarding harmful additives. President-elect Donald Trump, who nominated Kennedy, has indicated that he would allow him to “go wild on the food” following Kennedy’s withdrawal from his independent presidential run to support Trump.
During a recent Senate hearing, FDA officials faced scrutiny over the agency’s delays in implementing a proposed rule that would require health labels on food and drink products highlighting high levels of sodium, saturated fats, or added sugars amidst rising obesity rates. Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont and chair of the Senate Health Committee, asked, “How long does it take to put a bloody label on a product?” FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf responded, stating that the delay was necessary to ensure that any proposed rules could withstand potential legal challenges, referencing recent Supreme Court decisions that have limited federal agency powers.
After the hearing, Sanders expressed agreement with some of Kennedy’s views on food policy, particularly his concerns regarding the profit-driven focus of the food industry over public health. “What he’s saying about the food industry is exactly correct,” Sanders told CBS News. “You have a food industry that prioritizes profits and disregards the health of the American people. They need to be challenged.”
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However, any proposed regulatory changes may face resistance from the agricultural sector and major food corporations, which often lobby against measures perceived to threaten their profits. The food lobby, which includes processed food, agriculture, and biotechnology, has historically opposed attempts to tighten regulations on ingredients, labeling, and production methods. Kennedy’s advocacy for stricter pesticide regulations and agricultural chemicals might alienate some Republicans, who typically resist governmental regulations that could hinder business operations.
In addition to industry pushback, Kennedy may also face practical challenges in funding his initiatives. The FDA’s food division operates under a limited budget that depends on congressional appropriations, unlike the self-sustaining user fees that support the agency’s drug division. Mande emphasizes that previous attempts to implement significant food reforms have run into financial constraints, and Kennedy may encounter similar challenges. “They have less than $25 million to execute their nutrition work,” Mande notes, indicating that they struggle to make a meaningful impact due to inadequate funding from Congress.
Despite these obstacles, some of Kennedy’s positions on food and nutrition remain controversial. His plan for reforming the FDA’s food division includes proposals to eliminate nutritionists at the agency, claiming they are “not doing their job.” This stance has raised concerns among public health advocates. Such a drastic approach could complicate his confirmation, especially among Democrats and health supporters who are already wary of his broader beliefs. Kennedy has accused the FDA of “aggressive suppression” of various health products, including raw milk and hydroxychloroquine. He has previously promoted raw milk, asserting it “advances human health,” despite warnings from the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the potential dangers of consuming raw milk, which may contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and listeria. Additionally, he opposes water fluoridation, a long-standing public health practice known to improve oral health, citing studies that associate high fluoride levels with neurobehavioral issues.
As the Senate confirmation process progresses, Kennedy’s views on vaccines are likely to be a focal point of discussion. Public health officials are particularly apprehensive about the implications of appointing a prominent anti-vaccine advocate to lead HHS, the agency charged with overseeing vaccine safety. “While some might find his dietary views valid,” remarked Senator Edward Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, during the Senate Health Committee hearing with FDA officials, “having one reasonable opinion does not qualify someone to lead the United States Department of Health and Human Services.”
