In a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized that the rising rates of chronic diseases in the U.S. are primarily driven by ultraprocessed foods. Addressing the committee, Kennedy stated that if confirmed as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services, his top priority would be to “fix the food supply.”
Kennedy pointed to “highly chemical-intensive processed foods” as a major factor behind obesity, autoimmune diseases, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. He specifically criticized artificial food dyes and chemical additives found in many processed foods and vowed to increase oversight at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Numerous studies support the correlation between ultraprocessed food consumption and chronic health conditions. However, experts argue that not all processed foods are harmful, and chronic disease risk is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status.
Artificial food dyes, a key concern for Kennedy, have been linked to hyperactivity in children and, in some cases, potential cancer risks in animals. Recently, the FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 in foods and drugs due to its carcinogenic effects in lab studies. However, scientists caution that the overall impact of food dyes on public health remains limited compared to broader dietary patterns.
While Kennedy focused on chemical additives, public health experts argue that ultraprocessed foods are problematic due to their high levels of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. These products are also designed to be highly palatable, inexpensive, widely available, and heavily marketed—especially to children.
Nutrition expert Lindsey Smith Taillie from the University of North Carolina’s Gillings School of Global Public Health emphasized that small changes, like removing food dyes from sugary cereals, won’t solve the core issue. Instead, she called for a complete overhaul of the American food environment, including:
While Kennedy’s statements highlight the growing awareness around food quality and its impact on health, he has yet to outline specific policies to regulate food manufacturers or improve public nutrition. Many experts agree that greater oversight of food additives is a step forward, but tackling chronic disease requires a broader strategy focused on improving dietary habits, food accessibility, and industry regulations.
As the discussion on ultraprocessed foods gains traction, policymakers and health advocates will be watching closely to see if Kennedy’s proposals translate into concrete action.