04 Dec 2024 Big Food jittery ahead of RFK Jr entering Trump’s cabinet
The nomination of Robert F Kennedy Jr by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) signals a potential clash with major players in the packaged foods sector….
Kennedy’s nomination to head HHS has startled major food companies, which express concern over the potential reforms to the FDA and food industry initiated under his leadership.
He has promised to to drastically cut ultra-processed foods (UPFs) from American diets, putting him at odds with “Big Food”, companies with portfolios heavily vested in these products and posing a direct challenge to their well-being.
Although the FDA does not provide a formal definition for ultra-processed foods, they are generally recognised as products containing numerous additives, colourants, and preservatives. Research from Northeastern University suggests that approximately 73% of the food available in the US falls under this category.
If Kennedy receives Senate approval — an outcome that appears increasingly likely — he intends to reform the FDA and pivot the food industry toward healthier options, taking aim at processed and UP foods.
Health implications
Kennedy’s critical view of UPFs is rooted in concerns about public health, asserting that they play a significant role in the obesity crisis in the US. Data from the CDC indicates that around 40.3% of adults aged 20 and over are classified as obese, defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above.
He argues these foods are central to the rise in chronic health issues, including heart disease and diabetes.
As part of his initial initiatives, Kennedy is advocating for a ban on certain food additives commonly found in packaged products, such as red dye No 3, potassium bromate, and brominated vegetable oil, which are often restricted or prohibited in other nations.
He is particularly scrutinising products like cereals and snacks, with California recently enacting a ban on these additives set to begin in 2027.
Kennedy contends that these substances contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders in children and chronic illnesses among the general population. Additionally, he pledges to eliminate UPFs from school lunch programs, arguing their role in childhood obesity and diabetes.
The seed oil debate
Kennedy also criticises seed oils, prevalent in many processed foods, claiming they exacerbate chronic health issues. He advocates for their replacement with alternatives such as beef tallow.
Established nutrition science, however, does not support the rejection of seed oils, despite the rising popularity of the anti-seed oil movement led by Kennedy and like-minded health professionals.
While Kennedy’s focus on UPFs contradicts the interests of large food corporations, this shift might benefit smaller brands aiming to provide healthier alternatives.
Major food manufacturers, such as JM Smucker, are preparing for impending changes under Kennedy’s leadership. Many large food companies are actively opposing him by communicating with their Republican allies and Trump’s transition team.
Trump’s support for Kennedy’s food policies could also attract the backing of some Democrats, like Senators Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, and Elizabeth Warren, who have championed similar reforms. Predictions indicate that Kennedy is likely to secure Senate confirmation, barring any substantial obstacles.
The FDA has already been undergoing significant reforms, but Kennedy’s proposals may represent some of the most ambitious changes in decades. Interestingly, some FDA personnel support his outlook on food policy, even if they disagree on other health matters.
An urgent call for change
The current moment presents a unique opportunity for packaged food companies to improve product healthiness.
Kennedy’s proposed reforms encompass a broader agenda that includes reducing pesticide use, overhauling dietary guideline advisory committees, and promoting regenerative agriculture, all while intending to redefine the interaction between the FDA and the food industry.
If appointed to HHS, Kennedy’s ambitious goals could bring transformative changes to the American food landscape. However, collaboration and compromise between ‘Big Food’ and the reform agenda may be essential.
As Kennedy advocates for his vision, food companies must navigate how to adjust to potential changes without facing complete opposition.
Given Trump’s commitments to lower grocery prices, any HHS reforms leading to increased food costs will face close scrutiny from the administration, emphasising the need for caution in these regulatory discussions.
Source: Adapted from just-food.com