Washington, D.C. – Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Signaled a significant shift in federal oversight of the food industry on Sunday, announcing plans to address concerns surrounding ultra-processed foods. Speaking on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Kennedy stated his intention to act on a petition filed by former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. David Kessler, aiming to overhaul regulations governing these widely consumed products.
“We will act on David Kessler’s petition,” Kennedy said. “And the questions that he’s asking are questions that FDA should’ve been asking a long, long time ago.” This move comes as growing scrutiny focuses on the health impacts of foods high in sugar, fat, and salt, often packaged and marketed for convenience.
The specific details of Kennedy’s response to Kessler’s citizen petition remain unclear. The FDA received the petition in 2025, but a timeline for action has not yet been released. The petition calls for a reevaluation of the “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) designation, a 67-year-old government classification that allows food companies to use certain ingredients without full FDA safety review, according to the “60 Minutes” report.
A Common Ground on Ultra-Processed Foods
The alliance between Kennedy and Kessler is notable, given their differing views on other public health matters. Both, however, express concern that the proliferation of ultra-processed foods – now comprising approximately 50% of the average American diet and 60% of children’s diets – is contributing to a rise in chronic diseases. Dr. Kessler, who served as FDA commissioner during the 1990s, likened the current situation to the tobacco crisis, stating in the “60 Minutes” interview that the public health impact is “as large, if not larger.”
Kessler argues that these foods are “energy-dense, highly palatable, rapidly absorbable,” and have fundamentally altered human metabolism, leading to increases in type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and other health problems. He points to the GRAS designation as a key enabler, allowing companies to introduce ingredients without rigorous testing. He previously led efforts to expose how tobacco companies manipulated nicotine levels to create addictive products.
The GRAS Designation Under Scrutiny
The GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation was intended to streamline the approval process for ingredients with a long history of safe use. However, critics argue that it has been exploited by the food industry to introduce novel ingredients and chemicals without adequate oversight. The “60 Minutes” report highlights concerns that companies can self-determine the safety of ingredients, potentially bypassing the FDA’s rigorous review process.
According to Kennedy, the issue isn’t simply about individual ingredients, but the combination of ingredients and the overall impact of ultra-processed foods on the body. He and Kessler suggest that the FDA needs to reassess the GRAS designation and implement stricter regulations to protect public health. The current system, they contend, prioritizes industry interests over consumer well-being.
Broader Concerns About Nutritional Health
The focus on ultra-processed foods reflects a growing awareness of the link between diet and health. The CBS News report noted that Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy observed that many Americans are “obscenely obese and at the same time malnourished.” This paradox underscores the challenge of ensuring access to nutritious food in a system dominated by convenient, but often unhealthy, options.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has served as the 26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services since February 13, 2025, according to Wikipedia. Prior to his current role, he was an environmental lawyer and author. His previous work focused on environmental protection, including founding the Waterkeeper Alliance in 1999.
The potential changes to food regulations could have far-reaching consequences for the food industry, impacting product formulations, marketing practices, and consumer choices. Whereas the specifics remain to be seen, Kennedy’s commitment to addressing Kessler’s petition signals a willingness to challenge the status quo and prioritize public health concerns.
The next step will be the release of Kennedy’s formal response to Kessler’s petition. The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet announced a timeline for this response. Consumers and industry stakeholders will be closely watching for details on how the administration intends to address the growing concerns surrounding ultra-processed foods.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. This proves essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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