Fact-checking RFK Jr.’s claims about food and nutrition
As part of a pledge to address high rates of chronic disease in the United States, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — who was recently appointed by President-elect Donald J. Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services — said he would “fix our broken food system.”
In interviews and on social media, Mr. Kennedy has made a number of claims about the country’s food supply and eating habits. We fact-checked five of his most repeated refrains.
Ultra-processed foods
His claim: Ultra-processed foods are the cause of the obesity epidemic and should be eliminated from school meals.
What the research suggests: Many public health and nutrition experts agree that ultra-processed foods are an estimate 73 percent of the US food supply – are likely contributing to the obesity crisis in the United States, and cuts would be beneficial.
But the category is broad and it’s not clear whether all ultra-processed foods are harmful, experts say. There may be downsides to avoiding certain ultra-processed foods, such as flavored yogurt, whole-grain breads and cereals, they add, because they can provide valuable nutrients.
Lindsey Smith Taillie, an associate professor of nutrition at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, said it would be “transformative” to remove ultra-processed foods from school lunches. But, she added, schools would need more resources to prepare meals from scratch.
Food colorings
His claim: Food colorings cause cancer and ADHD in children.
What the research suggests: Although some small clinical studies have suggested that certain synthetic food dyes may increase hyperactivity in children, there is no hard evidence that they directly cause ADHD. However, many experts agree that because food colorings are not necessary for nutrition, there would be no harm in avoiding them. them.
Raw milk
His claim: Mr Kennedy has said he only drinks raw milk and has suggested the restrictions apply to small farmers of raw milk sales should be re-examined.
What the research suggests: Food safety experts say that because raw (or unpasteurized) milk can contain harmful pathogens such as E. coli, listeria and salmonella, drinking it can cause serious foodborne illness and should therefore be avoided. Raw milk is especially risky for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
What the research suggests: This is correct. There is solid evidence that consuming too much added sugar, including from high-fructose corn syrup, can increase the risk of a number of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, obesity and cavities.
On average, Americans consume about twice the American Heart Association’s recommended limit for added sugars, with sweetened beverages such as sugary soft drinks being a top source.
Seed oils
His claim: Americans are “unconsciously poisoned” through seed oils such as canola, soybean and sunflower oils, and it would be healthier for restaurants to do so fry the food in beef fat instead.
What the research suggests: The claim that seed oils are harmful to health is false, say nutritionists. Decades of research have shown that seed oils are not only safe, but the heart-healthy unsaturated fats they contain have been linked to reduced risks for cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancer And die earlier. Seed oils are a much better health choice than solid fat alternatives, such as beef tallow, butter or lard, which are high in saturated fats.
