A growing concern among Americans, spanning the political spectrum, centers on the health impacts of ultraprocessed foods. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former FDA commissioner Dr. David Kessler are uniting to address this issue, pointing to the “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) classification as a loophole allowing the widespread use of unexamined ingredients in these foods. This has contributed to ultraprocessed items making up a significant portion of the American diet, leading to a surge in chronic diseases. Both men are advocating for greater transparency and accountability from the food industry.
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California has enacted a new law that will be the first in the nation to phase out certain ultraprocessed foods from school meals. The legislation, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, targets foods considered a “concern” based on health risks and will be determined by the Public Health Department by June 2028. Schools must begin removing these items by 2029, with a full implementation by 2035. This effort aligns with a growing movement, supported by bipartisan support, toward making school meals more nutritious and healthier for children.
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently praised Mom’s Meals, a company delivering taxpayer-funded meals to Medicaid and Medicare enrollees, even though these meals contain numerous ultraprocessed food additives. An Associated Press review reveals the meals, such as chicken bacon ranch pasta, are high in sodium, sugar, or saturated fats and include ingredients that are not easily replicated at home. Nutritionists argue these meals are the type of processed foods that Kennedy routinely criticizes, despite the company’s claims of not including synthetic food dyes or high fructose corn syrup. This comes as the Health Secretary advocates for healthier diets as part of his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
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John Q. Hosedrinker