Full Breakdown
Policy Clash Over Ultraprocessed Food Definition
By Drooid · · How we work
Background of the MAHA Initiative
Two years ago, the Trump campaign aligned with Kennedy’s “war on chronic disease,” endorsing his push to overhaul the U.S. food supply. Since then, Kennedy’s team has promoted policies aimed at reducing Americans’ reliance on ultraprocessed foods. Recent internal disagreements have stalled three separate efforts to advance those policies, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
Key Figures
- Calley Means – Top aide to Secretary Kennedy, brother of former surgeon-general nominee Casey Means; has no formal medical training.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Secretary of Health and Human Services, architect of the MAHA agenda.
- Casey Means – Former Trump-nominated surgeon-general whose nomination was withdrawn.
Official Positions
They expressed concern that a broad definition would encompass a large share of everyday grocery items, thereby intensifying ongoing litigation against food manufacturers. In contrast, Means accused the administration of protecting “special interests” by blocking the definition, emphasizing that the HHS team had already spent months vetting it with scientists.
Consequences for Food Policy
The confrontation has halted progress on three MAHA-related initiatives aimed at curbing ultraprocessed food consumption. food supply.