U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says his department will direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review ingredients in ultra-processed foods following a petition seeking to remove some substances from the agency’s Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list.
In an interview Sunday on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Kennedy said the FDA will act on the petition filed by former FDA Commissioner David Kessler, who is urging the agency to reconsider ingredients such as corn syrup and determine whether they should remain on the GRAS list.
Studies show that 60% of the American diet is based on ultra-processed foods like soda and fast food, which contain synthetic additives designed to be hyperpalatable and convenient.
Nutritionist Grabiella Mohamed says that ultra processed food are the reason behind the rise in chronic diseases.
“Peer-reviewed research has found a strong association between high consumption of ultra-processed food and effects such as type two diabetes, which is on an extreme rise nowadays,” says Mohamed. “ Like cardiovascular disease, obesity, and weight gain.”
Kessler is a frequent critic of RFK Jr., but said he would partner with him if RFK Jr. is willing to take action against ultra-processed foods.
RFK Jr. has not specified the actions he plans to take regarding the petition, but he indicated that his main focus is on keeping the public informed about what they eat rather than regulating ultra-processed food.
The FDA had 180 days to respond to the petition, which has already passed, but they released an “interim response” stating that they have not yet reached a decision on the petition.
