When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. steps into his confirmation hearing for the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), he is expected to face intense questioning, particularly regarding his controversial views on vaccines and alternative medical practices. However, one area where he might find unexpected common ground across party lines is in the realm of food policy.
Kennedy has consistently raised alarms about the dangers of ultra-processed foods, harmful additives, and the overwhelming influence of major corporations in food production. While his stance on vaccines has drawn significant criticism, his advocacy for improving food quality to combat chronic diseases resonates with both Democrats and Republicans, earning him praise from a variety of public health advocates.
Should he be confirmed as HHS Secretary, Kennedy would wield considerable authority over food regulation, nutrition standards, and federal dietary guidelines. Jerold Mande, who previously served as a senior adviser at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and held a deputy role at the Department of Agriculture under two Democratic administrations, points out a “remarkable, strong bipartisan concern about ultra-processed food.”
As the head of HHS, Kennedy would oversee the FDA, which plays a crucial role in ensuring food safety and nutrition labeling. One significant lever he could pull is HHS’s involvement in shaping the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a pivotal document that informs nutrition policy at the federal level. These guidelines are updated every five years and have a substantial influence on public health messaging and food assistance initiatives. Mande describes the development of these guidelines as a politically charged affair, with each administration leaving its mark. “It’s like the phases of the moon,” he explains. “At present, HHS is enjoying a peak of influence, which is uncommon since dietary guidelines typically span across two administrations.”
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For Kennedy, steering the Dietary Guidelines process could provide an opportunity to push for stricter recommendations against ultra-processed foods, particularly those laden with sugars, unhealthy fats, and harmful additives. He has committed to removing processed foods from school cafeterias and to enhancing initiatives that tackle food-related chronic diseases, an issue he believes both major political parties have ignored. Additionally, he has advocated for reducing pesticide use and limiting seed oils such as canola and sunflower, which he argues worsen health problems in the U.S. Kennedy has also called for a ban on artificial food dyes, like those found in cereals such as Froot Loops, claiming these substances could 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 been critical of the FDA for its lenient approach to food additives and processing standards. If confirmed, he is anticipated to advocate for more stringent regulations, clearer food labeling, and greater transparency regarding harmful additives. President-elect Donald Trump, who nominated Kennedy, has indicated that he would allow Kennedy to take bold steps in food policy after Kennedy shifted from an independent presidential campaign to support him.
During a Senate hearing on Thursday, FDA officials were pressed about ongoing delays in enforcing a proposed rule that would require health labels on food and beverage packaging, highlighting high levels of sodium, saturated fat, or added sugars amidst rising obesity rates. “How long does it take to put a bloody label on a product?” asked Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont and chair of the Senate Health Committee. FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf explained that the delay was necessary to ensure that any proposed rule could withstand potential legal challenges, citing recent Supreme Court decisions that have restricted the powers of federal agencies.
After the hearing, Sanders expressed agreement with some of Kennedy’s views on food policy, especially his criticism of the food industry’s profit-first mentality over public health. “I think what he’s saying about the food industry is exactly correct,” he 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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Nonetheless, any regulatory changes are likely to face pushback from the agricultural sector and major food corporations, which have a history of lobbying against measures they view as detrimental to their interests. The food lobby—which includes processed food, agriculture, and biotechnology—has consistently fought against efforts to tighten regulations on ingredients, labeling, and production practices. Kennedy’s push for stronger regulations on pesticides and agricultural chemicals could alienate some Republicans, who often resist government regulations that affect business operations.
In addition to industry resistance, Kennedy may face practical challenges in funding his initiatives. The FDA’s food division operates on a limited budget that depends on congressional appropriations, in contrast to the self-sustaining user fees that support the agency’s drug division. Mande points out that previous efforts to enact significant food reforms have been hindered by budget constraints, and Kennedy could encounter similar obstacles. “They have less than $25 million to execute their nutrition work,” Mande notes concerning the FDA’s budget. “They are unable to make a meaningful impact in this area due to insufficient funding from Congress.”
Despite these challenges, some of Kennedy’s positions on food and nutrition are still contentious. His proposed overhaul of the FDA’s food division includes plans to remove nutritionists from the agency, claiming they are “not doing their job.” This stance has raised concerns among public health experts. Such a drastic move could complicate his confirmation process, especially with Democrats and health advocates who are already wary of his broader beliefs. Kennedy has accused the FDA of “aggressive suppression” of various products, including raw milk and hydroxychloroquine. He has previously endorsed raw milk, asserting that it “advances human health,” despite warnings from both the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the dangers of consuming raw milk, which can harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli and listeria. He also opposes the fluoridation of drinking water, a widely accepted public health measure known to improve oral health, citing studies that link high fluoride levels to neurobehavioral issues.
As the Senate confirmation process progresses, Kennedy’s vaccine stance will also be rigorously examined. Public health officials are particularly concerned about the implications of appointing a prominent anti-vaccine advocate to oversee HHS, the agency responsible for ensuring vaccine safety. “Some might argue that his views on diet and the importance of healthy foods are valid,” remarked Senator Edward Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, during the Senate Health Committee hearing with FDA officials. “However, having one reasonable opinion does not qualify someone to lead the United States Department of Health and Human Services.”
