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As part of his vision to combat chronic disease in the U.S., Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to head the Department of Health and Human Services, has pledged to overhaul the country’s food system. Kennedy has frequently voiced concerns about the nation's eating habits and food policies. Here’s a breakdown of five prominent claims he’s made, paired with insights from nutrition and public health experts.
Ultraprocessed Foods and Obesity
RFK’s Claim: Ultraprocessed foods are fueling the obesity crisis and should be removed from school lunches.
Research Findings: Ultraprocessed foods, comprising about 73% of the U.S. food supply, are strongly associated with rising obesity rates, according to many nutrition experts. Reducing these foods in diets, including school meals, could yield health benefits. However, not all ultraprocessed foods are inherently harmful. Certain options, such as fortified whole wheat bread or flavored yogurt, provide essential nutrients. Lindsey Smith Taillie of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health described eliminating ultraprocessed foods from school lunches as “transformative” but emphasized the need for increased resources to support scratch-made meal preparation.
Food Dyes and A.D.H.D.
RFK’s Claim: Food dyes are carcinogenic and contribute to A.D.H.D. in children.
Research Findings: While limited studies suggest synthetic dyes might exacerbate hyperactivity in some children, no conclusive evidence directly links dyes to A.D.H.D. However, food dyes lack nutritional value, and experts generally support reducing their use. The FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 in cosmetics decades ago due to cancer concerns in animal studies but has yet to extend this prohibition to food. The agency is currently reassessing its safety.
Raw Milk
RFK’s Claim: Raw milk is a healthier option, and restrictions on its sale by small farmers should be reconsidered.
Research Findings: Health experts caution against raw milk due to the risk of harmful pathogens like E. coli, listeria, and salmonella, which can cause severe illnesses. Vulnerable groups—including children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems—face heightened risks from consuming unpasteurized dairy.
Added Sugars
RFK’s Claim: High levels of added sugars, especially from high-fructose corn syrup, contribute to childhood obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Research Findings: This claim is well-supported by evidence. Excessive intake of added sugars, including from sweetened beverages, increases risks for obesity, Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and heart conditions. According to the American Heart Association, Americans consume about double the recommended daily limit of added sugars, with sugary drinks being a primary culprit.
Seed Oils vs. Beef Tallow
RFK’s Claim: Seed oils like canola, soybean, and sunflower oils are toxic, and frying foods in beef tallow would be healthier.
Research Findings: Decades of research debunk this claim, showing that seed oils are safe and even beneficial. Rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats, seed oils are linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, and they may also increase lifespan. By contrast, beef tallow and other solid fats contain high levels of saturated fats, which are known to increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
For further information on nutrition science, consult the American Heart Association’s dietary guidelines or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s resources.