Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in December 2024, has shared plans to enhance the quality and nutrition of American food, focusing on improving public health and well-being. However, questions remain about whether these plans will be implemented effectively and if they will truly benefit the American people. 

Plans at Play or Plans in Question

Eliminating Ultra-Processed Foods from School Meals: According to Alexander Tin of CBS News, Kennedy intends to remove ultra-processed foods from school cafeterias, promoting the consumption of whole, nutritious foods among students. In his article entitled, “What is ‘Make America Healthy Again”? What to know about Trump and RFK Jr.’s wide-ranging platform,” Tin takes a step-by-step approach to outlining exactly policy plans are in store in an RFK Jr. lead health movement.

It’s important to consider that when Michelle Obama introduced healthier school lunch standards as part of her “Let’s Move!” initiative, the changes faced significant backlash from students, parents, and even school administrators. Does RFK Jr. believe he can implement similar plans without facing the same backlash that Michelle Obama encountered? Or even when his beliefs stretch far beyond her attempts at making lunch periods healthier around the country?

Banning Harmful Food Additives: In an article by The Hill, “With a focus on food, RFK Jr. can actually make America healthier,” opinion contributor Michael F. Jacobson attempts to guide some of RFK Jr.’s broad goals towards more achievable targets. RFK Jr. advocates for stricter regulations on food additives, including artificial dyes and seed oils, which he believes contribute to health issues such as ADHD and cancer. 

While he highlights that many additives commonly found in American processed foods, particularly those marketed to children, are already banned or strictly regulated in other countries however there is limited evidence to support a connection between food additives and conditions like ADHD or cancer. Most reputable health organizations, including the FDA and the American Cancer Society, have not endorsed these claims, citing a lack of scientific data to establish such links.

In Jacobson’s view, the current nominee for United States Secretary of Health and Human Services would be best served approaching his health initiatives from the perspective of scientists and leading nutritional experts. Jacobson believes RFK Jr.’s focus on foods should remain in the realm of restricting sugary drinks for children, reducing the amount of salt in the American diet, and adhering to smarter food labeling policies if he wants to fulfil his goals of a healthier America. 

Restricting Sugary Drink Purchases with SNAP Benefits: In the same article from The Hill, Jacobson explains some of how Kennedy proposes to bar the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for purchasing sugary beverages, aiming to reduce sugar consumption among low-income populations. A 2011 estimate of SNAP benefit usage credits around $10 billion being spent on sugary drinks alone, making it the single-most-purchased item.

Sugary drinks, however, are often an affordable indulgence for American families. Restricting access could feel like an unfair limitation for those who already face financial challenges.

Claims Made About Chemicals in Water: “If you expose frogs to atrazine, male frogs, it changes their sex, and they can actually bear young. They can lay eggs, fertile eggs,” Kennedy said during an episode of his podcast in June 2022, “And so, the capacity for these chemicals that we are just raining down on our children right now to induce these very profound sexual changes in them is something we need to be thinking about as a society.” CNN reporters Abby Turner and Andrew Kaczynski covered Kennedy’s controversial comment in their article “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. repeatedly suggested that chemicals in water are impacting sexuality of children,” in which they explain that atrazine, a common herbicide, may be an endocrine disruptor, but it certainly has never been linked to the gender identity or sexuality of human beings. 

The claim is ever more baseless when considering that atrazine is not in tap water in high amounts, with the CDC citing an EPA standard of allowing a maximum of 3 µg of atrazine per liter of water, an incredibly small amount. It is entirely likely, as the CNN article states, that RFK Jr.’s claims including the chemical’s impact on frogs and sexuality is the direct result of far-right commentator Alex Jones’ controversial, and blatantly false, claim that there were chemicals in the water “turning the frogs gay.”

RFK Jr.’s unscientific claims extend further as he questions the safety of fluoride in drinking water, a measure that is extremely effective at decreasing dental decay, as outlined in a CBS News article entitled, “What to know about fluoride in water following RFK Jr.’s health claims, controversial studies.” His commitment to inaccurate data could deepen concerns about his ability to implement practical and effective health reforms. 

Enhancing Food Labeling: In Time magazine’s article, “The Power RFK Jr. Would Have Over Food,” Nik Popli describes Kennedy’s support for clearer food labeling, which would inform consumers about unhealthy ingredients, empowering them to make healthier choices. 

“Kennedy has criticized the FDA for being overly lenient on food additives and processing standards. If confirmed, he would likely press for stricter regulations, clearer food labeling, and increased transparency on harmful additives,” writes Popli. It’s a stance that appeals to both sides of the aisle, and one that has received praise from leading health experts. If successful, it could have a profound effect on the lives of millions of Americans.

Final Considerations

Kennedy’s plans to reform the nation’s approach strictly to food and nutrition broadly reflects a desire to prioritize public health. By targeting the root causes of diet-related illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, RFK Jr. aims to shift the focus of American food policy toward prevention rather than treatment. Through advocating for reforms that hold corporations accountable, fostering equity in food access, and promoting sustainable practices, it appears that his initiatives aim to create a healthier and more resilient food system for all Americans. However, these proposals have sparked debate over their fairness, and ore concerningly, their scientific foundation. As he steps into this influential role, the American people will need to weigh his vision for improving public health against the challenges of implementation, and the likelihood that scientific support will not be at the forefront of his efforts.