Health and Human Services Secretary-designate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sparked a conversation about national dietary habits.
He recently criticized President-elect Donald Trump's dietary choices and proposed sweeping reforms targeting public health issues linked to food and water, New York Post reported.
Kennedy pointed out the unhealthy meals frequently served aboard Trump Force One and at public appearances, emphasizing the President-elect’s preference for fast food. Among various foodstuffs, Kennedy noted meals featuring KFC and Big Macs offered on Trump's plane.
Kennedy’s critique extends beyond mere personal choices to broader health policy impacts. He strongly opposes the use of seed oils in food production, advocating for a shift back to beef tallow for frying in establishments like McDonald's.
A part of his campaign against modern cooking fats, Kennedy has initiated merchandising with slogans advocating for traditional frying methods, which he argues are healthier. He believes these oils to be "one of the most unhealthy ingredients," attributing their prevalence to heavy subsidies rather than health benefits.
Kennedy also challenges the safety and health impacts of artificial dyes in foods. He highlighted products like Froot Loops, stating they contain dyes detrimental to health, which he believes contribute to a lower life expectancy in the U.S compared to other nations.
The Secretary-designate's concerns are not limited to food ingredients. Kennedy also expressed his opposition to the fluoridation of public water supplies.
His holistic approach to health reform includes support for the use of raw milk in dairy products, which, despite being controversial due to health risks highlighted by experts, is touted by Kennedy for its natural benefits. He personally opts for raw milk and other natural products from Lancaster County, PA.
Kennedy criticized existing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policies, arguing that they often hinder natural health solutions. He promises extensive reforms to promote what he identifies as more beneficial, natural health advancements.
Registered dietitian Claire Edgemon has remarked on Kennedy’s proposals, advising caution with both beef tallow and seed oils due to their caloric content. Edgemon stressed the importance of overall diet patterns over specific ingredient choices, noting that excessive calorie intake is a primary factor in obesity.
During an interview, Kennedy conveyed his concerns about the state of food served to high-profile figures and by extension, the public:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated, "Campaign food is always bad, but the food that goes onto that airplane is, like, just poison. You have a choice between — you don’t have the choice, you’re either given KFC or Big Macs. That’s when you’re lucky, and then the rest of the stuff I consider kind of inedible."
Additionally, Kennedy mentioned Trump's frequent consumption of Diet Coke, which contains caramel color, a type of artificial dye he opposes.
Kennedy’s proposed changes are part of a broader vision to renew older, ostensibly healthier food preparation practices and address what he considers oversight in current health regulations.
His stance on these issues showcases a proactive approach to combating what he sees as major contributors to national health problems, proposing a return to cooking and health care fundamentals that prioritize natural and traditional methods.
As Kennedy prepares to take office, his proposed policies suggest a significant recalibration of public health priorities, emphasizing natural ingredients and practices. His focus on undoing the reliance on processed food components and enhancing the overall dietary landscape reflects a transformative vision that could reshape American food policies and potentially influence dietary habits across the nation.
