While some have been expecting Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. to at least attempt to make sweeping changes to the way Americans eat and exercise, among other things, he just signaled that his "Make America Healthy Again" initiative will not target ultra-processed foods or pesticides.
A draft report of the so-called 'MAHA' effort was recently leaked and shows that it calls for a government-wide definition of ultra-processed foods, but it does not outline plans to restrict their sale.
The New York Times got a copy of the draft report and wrote: "The report, if adopted, would be good news for the food and agriculture industries, which feared far more restrictive proposals than the ones outlined in the draft. Through his “Make America Healthy Again” movement, Mr. Kennedy has sought to overhaul the nation’s diet by pushing those industries to make major changes.
"The draft includes an array of policy proposals calling for research into topics as distinct as electromagnetic radiation and children’s oral health.
"It also recommends action on health initiatives, like efforts to increase breastfeeding rates, address infertility and educate the public on the dangers of vaping."
Additionally, Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins has gone on record suggesting that he supports the use of crop protection tools, but the draft does not restrict pesticide use.
However, how much of the draft will be adopted is unknown, especially since White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai dismissed the validity of the leaked report, stating that any unofficial document should be disregarded.
The Times noted the draft had been presented already to the White House, but the final report is expected to be released to the public in the coming weeks.