Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s potential appointment as the next Health and Human Services Secretary has ignited speculation about his priorities, particularly in the realm of diet and nutrition. Experts anticipate a range of potential reforms, from overhauling school lunch programs to establishing new standards for processed foods and toxins. Driven by his “Make America Healthy Again” slogan, Kennedy has consistently championed reforms in the food industry, a stance that aligns with President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to give him free rein on health matters.
A cornerstone of Kennedy’s potential impact lies in the revision of the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” a pivotal document shaping public health perceptions. With the next update due in 2025, Kennedy would be responsible for selecting the expert panel drafting these guidelines. Nutrition expert Nina Teicholz, who has engaged with Kennedy’s team, foresees a focus on children’s nutrition. This could translate into changes in school lunches, including sugar limits and the reintroduction of whole milk, which was banned under the Obama administration due to concerns about saturated fat, a concern Teicholz argues lacks robust scientific backing. She stresses the importance of grounding policy decisions in solid evidence, a principle she believes Kennedy shares. Beyond school lunches, Teicholz identifies other “low-hanging fruit” within the guidelines, such as refining the definition of ultra-processed foods, a category Kennedy has previously criticized, and commissioning further research into their health impacts.
Dave Asprey, a prominent author and nutrition advocate, anticipates Kennedy’s focus extending to toxin limits within the dietary guidelines, addressing concerns about pesticides and herbicides. He also predicts potential new standards for animal feed. Asprey believes Kennedy’s legal background could prove invaluable in pursuing legal action against companies promoting outdated and unhealthy practices. He sees the dietary guidelines as a powerful lever for change, influencing not only school meals but also hospital food and broader public policy.
Kennedy’s recent efforts to garner support on Capitol Hill have included assurances of a measured approach to regulating the food and agriculture industries, as conveyed to Senator Tommy Tuberville. However, concerns remain about potential clashes between the Trump administration’s limited-government philosophy and Kennedy’s reform agenda. Mara Fleishman, CEO of the Chef Ann Foundation, a non-profit focused on healthy eating, expresses a cautious optimism, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Kennedy’s potential impact.
Kennedy’s potential influence extends beyond school lunches and encompasses a broader spectrum of food policy. The dietary guidelines, as a central pillar of nutritional guidance, offer a powerful platform for reform. By reshaping these guidelines, Kennedy could influence food choices across various settings, including schools, hospitals, and even broader public programs. This influence could extend to the very definition of healthy eating, impacting public perception and consumer behavior. Furthermore, his focus on toxins and animal feed suggests a holistic approach to food systems, addressing not just what we eat but also how it is produced.
Kennedy’s legal background could add a potent dimension to his efforts. His experience as a trial lawyer could empower him to challenge entrenched industry practices and hold companies accountable for promoting unhealthy products or misleading information. This legal acumen could prove particularly valuable in navigating the complex landscape of food regulation and enforcing new standards. The combination of his advocacy for evidence-based policies and his legal prowess could create a formidable force for change in the food industry. However, the potential friction between his reformist zeal and the administration’s preference for deregulation poses a significant challenge. The ultimate success of Kennedy’s agenda will likely depend on his ability to navigate these political complexities and build consensus for his vision of a healthier America.
