A new federal report links chronic disease in U.S. children to ultra-processed food, environmental toxins, and excessive medication, with policy proposals due later this summer.
Adrianna Rodriguez reports for USA Today.
In short:
- The Make America Healthy Again Commission says ultra-processed foods and food additives like dyes and sweeteners displace nutrient-rich food and fuel illness.
- The report calls for more research into PFAS, fluoride, pesticides like atrazine and glyphosate, and other environmental chemicals, and questions overuse of psychiatric medications and vaccines.
- Eight artificial food dyes will be phased out by 2026, while new dietary guidelines and policy changes are expected within 80 days.
Key quote:
“We have a crisis that requires rethinking almost every aspect of how we think about disease and the prevention of disease.”
— Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health director
Why this matters:
Rates of chronic illness in children are rising, and the new MAHA Commission report suggests the problem isn’t just personal choice — it’s systemic: diets built around cheap, heavily marketed processed foods; widespread exposure to industrial chemicals; and a health care model that often turns first to medication. At the same time, the report appears to be a win for industry as it emphasizes changing individual behaviors rather than reforming the food, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries that Kennedy has been quick to call out in the past. Other coverage of the new report notes that these industries have undertaken aggressive lobbying to persuade Kennedy to soften his rhetoric and policy positions.
