When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears for his confirmation hearing as a candidate for the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), he will likely encounter significant scrutiny regarding his skepticism about vaccines and unconventional medical beliefs. However, one area where he might garner bipartisan support is in food policy.
Kennedy has been vocal about the risks associated with ultra-processed foods, harmful additives, and the impact of large corporations on food production. While his anti-vaccine stance has faced substantial backlash, his commitment to tackling chronic diseases by advocating for cleaner food supplies resonates with efforts from both sides of the political spectrum, earning praise from numerous public health experts.
If confirmed as HHS Secretary, Kennedy would have the power to shape policies surrounding food regulation, nutrition standards, and federal dietary guidelines. Jerold Mande, a former senior adviser at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and deputy undersecretary for food safety at the Department of Agriculture during two Democratic administrations, notes a “remarkable, strong bipartisan concern about ultra-processed food.”
In his role as HHS Secretary, Kennedy would supervise the FDA, which is responsible for regulating food safety and nutrition labeling. One of the key instruments at his disposal would be HHS’s involvement in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a crucial document that informs federal nutrition policies. These guidelines, revisited every five years, influence public health messaging and food assistance programs. Mande describes the process as politically charged, with each administration imprinting its priorities on the guidelines. “It’s like the phases of the moon,” he explains. “Right now, HHS is at its peak in terms of influence, which is unusual as dietary guidelines typically span two administrations.”
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For Kennedy, managing the Dietary Guidelines process could serve as a platform to advocate for tougher recommendations against ultra-processed foods, especially those high in sugar, fats, and harmful additives. He has vowed to eliminate processed foods from school cafeterias and to boost initiatives aimed at addressing food-related chronic diseases, an issue he feels has been overlooked by both major political parties. Furthermore, he has been an advocate for limiting the use of pesticides and curtailing seed oils like canola and sunflower, which he believes exacerbate health issues in the U.S. Kennedy has also called for a prohibition on artificial food dyes, such as those found in Froot Loops, which he argues can negatively impact children’s health. “We need to stop feeding our children poison and start giving them real, wholesome food again,” Kennedy expressed on X on November 2.
Kennedy has taken aim at the FDA for its leniency regarding food additives and processing standards. If confirmed, he is expected to advocate for stricter regulations, clearer food labeling, and enhanced transparency around harmful additives. President-elect Donald Trump, who nominated Kennedy, indicated that he would permit him to “go wild on the food” after Kennedy withdrew from his independent presidential campaign and endorsed him.
During a Senate hearing on Thursday, FDA officials faced questions about the agency’s ongoing delays in implementing a proposed rule that would mandate health labels on food and drink packages, highlighting high levels of sodium, saturated fat, or added sugars amid escalating 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, referencing recent Supreme Court decisions that have restricted federal agencies’ powers.
After the hearing, Sanders expressed agreement with some of Kennedy’s food policy views, particularly his critique of the food industry’s profit-driven focus 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 would likely face opposition from the agricultural sector and major food companies, which have a history of lobbying against measures they deem detrimental to their profits. The food lobby—which encompasses processed food, agriculture, and biotechnology—has consistently resisted attempts to tighten regulations on ingredients, labeling, and production practices. Kennedy’s push for stricter regulations on pesticides and agricultural chemicals could alienate some Republicans, who traditionally resist government regulations that impact business operations.
In addition to industry resistance, Kennedy may encounter practical hurdles in financing his initiatives. The FDA’s food division operates under a constrained budget that relies on congressional appropriations, unlike the self-sustaining user fees that support the agency’s drug division. Mande highlights that past efforts to implement significant food reforms have been hampered by fiscal limitations, and Kennedy could face similar obstacles. “They have less than $25 million to execute their nutrition work,” Mande states about the FDA’s budget. “They are unable to make a meaningful impact in this area due to insufficient funding from Congress.”
Despite this, some of Kennedy’s views on food and nutrition remain contentious. His proposed reform of the FDA’s food division includes plans to dismiss nutritionists at the agency, asserting that they are “not doing their job.” This position has raised alarms among public health experts. Such a bold move could complicate his confirmation process, particularly with Democrats and health advocates who are already skeptical of his broader beliefs. Kennedy has accused the FDA of “aggressive suppression” of various products, including raw milk and hydroxychloroquine. He has previously promoted raw milk, claiming 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 fluoridation in drinking water, a practice known to enhance oral health and a cornerstone of U.S. public health policy for decades, citing studies linking high fluoride levels to neurobehavioral issues.
As the Senate confirmation process unfolds, Kennedy’s stance on vaccines will also come under intense scrutiny. Public health officials are particularly concerned about the prospect of appointing a leading anti-vaccine advocate to oversee HHS, the agency responsible for 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.”
