RFK Jr. Promises To Investigate Ultra-Processed Junk Food but Won't Regulate It

KEY POINTS

•Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed on CBS 60 Minutes that the HHS will respond to David Kessler's petition on ultra-processed foods.
•In October, Kennedy ordered the FDA to review all GRAS safety claims, including those covering sweeteners like corn syrup.
•Kennedy emphasized informing the public over new regulations, while CDC data shows over half Americans' calories come from ultra-processed foods.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary and longtime vaccine skeptic, said on CBS' 60 Minutes this Sunday (the one that once aired actual investigations) that the Trump-era FDA might finally look at David Kessler's petition to declassify corn syrup from 'Generally Recognized as Safe.' HHS ordered a sweeping review of these GRAS claims last October, but unsure if it means regulation. Kennedy, waving the new 'Make America Healthy Again' banner, called for public awareness over actual bans, while CDC admits Americans get over half their calories from pizza, sweet drinks, and mystery meat products labeled 'ultra-processed.' Meanwhile, the Consumer Brands Association insists their junk food is safe enough to eat daily, which sounds about as reassuring as a sugar rush at bedtime. Even Kessler calls the partnership a polite disagreement: he's anti-vax, Kessler's not, but they unite against food that could double as weaponized dopamine. Expect PR over policy, but hey, at least your corn syrup is under a microscope that's not quite focusing.