Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially taken on the role of Health and Human Services secretary following Senate confirmation. His appointment is expected to bring significant shifts in food policy and public health initiatives.
A strong advocate for nutrition, Kennedy has emphasized the importance of reducing the prevalence of ultra-processed foods and eliminating harmful additives from the food supply. He has been particularly outspoken about artificial food dyes, including Red Dye 40 and Yellow No. 5, which are commonly found in processed foods in the U.S.
Despite his concerns about food additives, Kennedy clarified that he does not intend to impose outright bans on specific foods. When questioned by Fox News host Laura Ingraham about potential ingredient restrictions, he stated that while he opposes harmful additives, he believes in preserving consumer choice.
“If you want to eat Twinkies, you ought to be able to eat them,” Kennedy remarked, emphasizing personal freedom. Instead of bans, he pledged to implement “radical transparency” to ensure the public is well-informed about the ingredients in their food and their potential health effects.
Kennedy also addressed the need for healthier food options in schools, criticizing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for subsidizing processed foods and sugary beverages. “We shouldn’t be subsidizing people to eat poison,” he stated, calling for reforms that encourage nutritious choices.
In a September 2024 interview with Steve Gruber, Kennedy linked artificial food dyes in fast food to declining life expectancy. Additionally, he suggested that major fast-food chains, such as McDonald’s, should revert to using beef tallow for frying instead of seed oils, which he described as highly inflammatory and over-subsidized.
As he steps into his new role, Kennedy’s policies are expected to challenge the food industry while promoting greater awareness of nutrition and public health.
