Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has launched a major initiative to formally define “ultra‑processed foods” (UPFs) through a federal Request for Information (RFI), partnering with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Officials note that about 60–70% of U.S. packaged food calories—and children’s diets—come from UPFs. That intake is linked to chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and neurological disorders.
Kennedy declared: “Ultra‑processed foods are driving our chronic disease epidemic. We must act boldly to eliminate the root causes of chronic illness and improve the health of our food supply.” He frames this as a core goal of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement. Rollins added that a unified federal definition is “long overdue” and pledged to include food industry leaders in the conversation.
This is the latest move following MAHA’s inaugural report released May 22. The report blamed ultra‑processed foods, toxic chemical exposures, sedentary lifestyles, and overmedication for skyrocketing rates of chronic disease among children. Critics noted flawed citations and questionable methodology, but the central concern over diet and food additives remains front and center .
Kennedy has targeted specific additives like artificial dyes, seed oils, and high‑fructose corn syrup. He hailed Coca‑Cola’s announcement to introduce cane‑sugar soda in the fall as a symbolic victory—even though nutrition experts say switching sugars provides negligible health benefits. The key, they argue, lies in reducing total sugar and processed food intake, not merely swapping ingredients.
Other corporate partners are aligning with MAHA. Starbucks has eliminated artificial dyes, high‑fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and trans fats from its menu. General Mills, Kraft Heinz and McCormick have pledged to remove synthetic FD&C dyes by 2028.
Massive campaigns are in the works: HHS plans a $10–20 million national ad campaign to encourage Americans to reject ultra‑processed foods and adopt real food, exercise, and spiritual growth. Global nutrition experts like Harvard professor Barry Popkin commend MAHA for addressing the food crisis, but stress that more proven public health tactics—taxing sugary drinks, front‑of‑package warnings—are also necessary for meaningful impact.
RFK Jr.’s latest effort marks a pivotal moment in federal food policy. He aims to redefine the national narrative on diet and chronic illness by tackling the massive consumption of ultra‑processed food. Whether MAHA drives lasting change or fades amid controversy depends on future policy decisions backed by price incentives and broader consumer education.
