RFK Jr. Targets Ultra-Processed Foods

- The petition was filed by David Kessler, who served as FDA commissioner under both Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. It specifically targets "processed refined carbohydrates" such as certain corn syrups and starches, arguing that the scientific basis for their safety is outdated. - The "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) provision dates back to the Food Additives Amendment of 1958. A key criticism is a "loophole" that allows companies to "self-affirm" an ingredient's safety without notifying the FDA, a practice RFK Jr. is seeking to end. - Due to the self-affirmation process, the FDA does not know precisely how many ingredients are in the American food supply, with estimates ranging from 4,000 to 10,000, compared to about 400 approved in Europe. - Ultra-processed foods—defined as industrial formulations with ingredients not typically used in home cooking—now account for more than half of the daily calories consumed by the average American adult and over 60% for children. - A 2024 review of 45 meta-analyses covering nearly 10 million people found that diets high in ultra-processed foods are linked to 32 health problems, including a 50% increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 48% increased risk of anxiety. - This federal action follows moves at the state level; California and Arizona have passed laws to phase out certain ultra-processed foods from school meals. - Separately, the city of San Francisco has filed a lawsuit against major food manufacturers including Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, and General Mills, arguing that their ultra-processed products constitute a "public nuisance" similar to tobacco. - The push is part of RFK Jr.'s long-standing "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) initiative, through which he has previously met with CEOs from major food companies to pressure them to voluntarily remove artificial dyes and other additives.