RFK Jr. says cutting ultra-processed foods is 'warfare'

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said efforts to reduce ultra-processed foods are akin to 'spiritual warfare' and cited administration data that about 70% of what American children consume is ultra-processed.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke about the role of heavily processed foods in U.S. diets and their effects on children during a conversation with Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts marking one year of his Make America Healthy Again initiative. He characterized efforts to reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods in strongly critical terms and said such products dominate children’s diets. Kennedy linked those dietary patterns to rising chronic, diet-related illnesses and discussed federal spending tied to those conditions. He framed part of his agenda around changing federal guidance on nutrition. Key points: - Kennedy cited administration data saying roughly 70% of what American children consume falls into the ultra-processed category. - He compared the long-term health harms of ultra-processed foods to those from tobacco in terms of chronic damage. - He estimated that about 40 cents of every taxpayer dollar is spent treating preventable metabolic disease, as reported. - As part of his initiative, he has pushed for revisions to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to stress protein, healthy fats and whole foods over refined carbohydrates and processed products. Summary: Kennedy presented ultra-processed foods as a major driver of diet-related illness among children and described policy changes he supports to shift federal nutrition guidance. He also addressed criticisms that his approach represents government overreach by saying Americans should keep freedom of choice while receiving clearer information. Undetermined at this time.