RFK Jr. is shaking things up. As the new head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), he's targeting what Americans eat and drink. He says the country's food is full of harmful ingredients, and he is ready to clean the house. From dyes in cereal to chemicals in fast food, he is going after the food industry with full force.
His agenda? Cut out ultra-processed foods, regulate additives, and reform the FDA. But with Big Food standing in the way, his fight won’t be easy. Can he pull it off? Some lawmakers and health experts think he just might.
RFK Jr. and the War on Junk Food
RFK Jr. is not afraid to take on powerful industries. He believes ultra-processed foods are a public health crisis, fueling obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. He has been vocal about how school lunches are packed with harmful ingredients, calling it a “toxic soup.” He wants better food for kids, and he is willing to shake up policies to get it.
RFK / IG / The FDA, which oversees food safety, has been criticized for being slow to act. RFK Jr. is ready to overhaul the agency, saying entire departments aren’t doing their job.
He plans to fire employees who he believes are part of a corrupt system and replace them with people committed to public health.
RFK Jr.’s FDA Reform With a Sledgehammer Approach
Taking charge of the FDA means rewriting the rules. RFK Jr. has been clear: the agency needs an overhaul. He wants to remove food dyes like Red No. 3, which is already banned in some states. He also wants to ban additives linked to health risks, following stricter European regulations.
The FDA has pushed back, arguing that US food regulations are not as lax as RFK Jr. claims. However, many health experts support his efforts, saying the country needs tougher food safety standards. His biggest challenge? Battling the massive food industry, which thrives on additives and processed ingredients.
RFK Jr. Targets Fluoride and Raw Milk
RFK Jr. is also questioning long-standing public health policies. He wants fluoride out of drinking water, saying it is unnecessary and potentially harmful. But experts argue that fluoride prevents tooth decay, and removing it would hurt public health. Plus, states control water fluoridation, meaning this fight may be out of his hands.
Sam / Pexels / RFK Jr. believes in the health benefits of raw milk despite the risks. Scientists warn that unpasteurized milk can carry dangerous bacteria.
While some consumers support raw milk access, public health officials say the risks outweigh the benefits. These issues put RFK Jr. at odds with traditional health authorities, making his reforms even more controversial.
Can RFK Jr. Stand Up to Big Food?
RFK Jr. has powerful allies and vocal critics. Some health experts praise his focus on ultra-processed foods and additives, saying the US lags behind other countries in food safety. Even some Democrats have voiced support for his efforts, showing that his ideas resonate beyond party lines.
But taking on the food industry is a massive challenge. Big Food has deep pockets and strong political influence. Every regulation RFK Jr. pushes will face resistance. His mission to “Make America Healthy Again” is ambitious, but will it be enough to change the way Americans eat?
So, RFK Jr. is just getting started, and his fight for food reform will be one to watch. Whether he succeeds or not, he is forcing a conversation that could reshape America’s health policies for years to come.
