Can RFK Jr Reform America’s Diet?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), is taking aim at what he calls a major threat to American health: the nation’s diet. From artificial dyes in cereals to seed oils in fast food, Kennedy has long been a vocal critic of ingredients he believes are harming public health.
“We are betraying our children by letting industries poison them,” Kennedy declared at a rally in November, shortly after ending his independent presidential campaign to endorse Trump. Now, as he awaits Senate confirmation, Kennedy faces a steep challenge—taking on “Big Food” and shaking up the nation’s food regulations.
A Controversial Advocate for Health Reform
Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, is no stranger to controversy. Known for spreading debunked claims about vaccines and Wi-Fi technology, his nomination has raised eyebrows among skeptics. However, some health experts and lawmakers, even from opposing parties, see potential in his vision to overhaul food safety and nutrition policies.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, expressed cautious support, stating Kennedy could “help make America healthy again.” Still, he emphasized the need for science-driven policies.
A Bold Vision for Change
Under the banner of his slogan “Make America Healthy Again,” Kennedy has laid out plans to combat chronic diseases by targeting ultra-processed foods—highly modified products like frozen pizzas, sugary cereals, and chips. These items, he argues, contribute to rising rates of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Kennedy has also criticized school lunch programs, saying children are “swimming in a toxic soup” of unhealthy options. Among his priorities are banning additives such as Red No. 3, which is prohibited in some countries, and addressing concerns over seed oils like canola and sunflower oil, which he claims are harmful.
His proposals extend beyond food. Kennedy has advocated banning fluoride in drinking water, despite its proven benefits for dental health, and legalizing the sale of raw milk, which carries significant health risks due to bacterial contamination.
Expert Opinions Divided
While some health professionals applaud Kennedy’s focus on reducing processed foods, others caution against his more extreme ideas. Dr. Peter Lurie, director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, supports stricter regulation of food dyes like Red No. 3 but criticizes Kennedy’s stance on raw milk and fluoride.
“There’s no evidence raw milk offers any meaningful nutritional advantage, but it does pose serious health risks,” Lurie explained.
University of Michigan professor Jennifer Garner added that Kennedy’s opposition to seed oils lacks scientific backing. “These oils are often healthier alternatives to saturated fats,” she noted.
A Tough Fight Ahead
Kennedy’s crusade faces significant hurdles. The FDA, which oversees food safety, is limited in its authority over ultra-processed foods, as regulatory changes often require congressional approval. Furthermore, the powerful food industry is already mobilizing to resist Kennedy’s agenda, with lobbyists meeting lawmakers to push back on stricter regulations.
“Industry opposition will be fierce,” warned Rosalie Lijinsky, a former FDA official.
Kennedy’s proposals also clash with Trump’s own history of rolling back school lunch health requirements and embracing fast food culture. Whether the president-elect will support Kennedy’s ambitious reforms remains uncertain.
Opportunities for Impact
Despite the challenges, experts say Kennedy could still make meaningful changes. Altering the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, which influence federal programs like school lunches and military meals, is one avenue.
“Revising the guidelines to emphasize whole foods and discourage ultra-processed products could have a huge impact,” said nutrition expert Marion Nestle.
However, Kennedy’s approach—calling for mass firings at the FDA—has sparked concerns about the potential loss of expertise within the agency.
“There’s an opportunity here to address chronic disease, but it has to be done thoughtfully,” said Garner. “Kennedy’s track record raises legitimate questions about how he’ll balance sound science with bold action.”
A Debate Worth Having
While some of Kennedy’s ideas may be divisive, they are bringing attention to the need for healthier food policies in America. Advocates like Jeff Hutt of the “Make America Healthy Again” political action committee argue that even if sweeping reforms are politically unattainable, the conversation is long overdue.
“The wellness of America should come before corporate profits,” Hutt said.
As Kennedy prepares for his Senate confirmation hearing, the nation watches closely to see whether he can translate bold rhetoric into meaningful change—or if his ambitious plans will crumble under political and industry pressure.
