A report from the Trump administration highlights chemicals found in ultraprocessed ingredients and the environment as key factors contributing to the increase in chronic diseases, potentially indicating a change in food regulation. Released last week by the presidential “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) commission, the report asserts that exposure to food additives and other chemicals is linked to various childhood developmental issues and chronic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes. The commission is expected to propose policy recommendations in August, aiming for a “coordinated transformation of our food, health, and scientific systems.”
The report takes a comprehensive look at the food system’s influence on health, emphasizing the necessity for regulators to consider how multiple additives or chemicals may interact and pose health risks. It notes that processed foods are consumed “in complex combinations” and warns that “overlooked risks could significantly impact children’s health.” While the report advocates for a “national initiative to map gene-environment interactions,” it refrains from suggesting specific policies. However, experts believe the language used in the report could increase pressure for more disclosure requirements.
According to the law firm Sidley, “Taken as a whole, this discussion signifies a departure from traditional regulatory science, which evaluates risks from exposure to single chemicals, towards assessing cumulative exposures to multiple chemicals in air, water, food, and consumer products.” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who heads the MAHA commission, claims that ultraprocessed ingredients are “poisoning American kids.” He has criticized sugars and saturated fats, urging the food industry to voluntarily phase out artificial colors before the 2027 deadline.
The report reinforces much of Kennedy’s prior statements on food ingredients, asserting that ultraprocessed foods “have allowed us to save money and to ‘eat on the run,'” but warns that today’s excessive reliance on these products is harming the health of American children. It identifies ultraprocessed grains, sugars, and fats as harmful to childhood health and names several food additives of concern, including artificial sweeteners, titanium dioxide, propylparaben, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Many of these additives are undergoing expedited review by the Food and Drug Administration.
Food companies have emphasized that additives and ingredients are extensively studied and deemed safe for consumption. Nonetheless, some are hastening efforts to switch to less-processed ingredients amid increasing regulatory and consumer pressure. For instance, Mars, the maker of Skittles, removed titanium dioxide—highlighted by Kennedy—from its supply chain last year. Similarly, PepsiCo has accelerated its transition away from artificial dyes as it aims to lead the charge towards natural ingredients.
Despite these efforts, a complete shift away from ultraprocessed foods poses significant challenges for manufacturers since these ingredients are prevalent in most consumer food products. Paul Dawson, a food scientist at Clemson University, noted in a blog post that “Reversing their overconsumption will require structural shifts in how food is produced, distributed, and consumed in the U.S.” The discussion around food safety and health also ties into the broader narrative of nutrition, including alternatives like nature made calcium citrate with magnesium that offer healthier options for consumers. As awareness about the impact of ultraprocessed foods grows, the integration of more natural ingredients, such as nature made calcium citrate with magnesium, could play a crucial role in the evolving food landscape.