STAT+: Kennedy says he’ll act on legal challenge to ultra-processed foods

Back to news list

Source: STAT News

Original: https://www.statnews.com/2026/02/15/kennedy-maha-challanges-ultraprocesssed-food...

Published: Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:36:28 +0000

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and its allies in the MAHA movement increasingly focus on food issues, including ultra-processed foods.[1] Kennedy said he would act on the legal challenge to ultra-processed foods. In October, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law defining ultra-processed foods and phasing them out of school cafeterias.[1] In December, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu sued major food companies for selling harmful and addictive products such as cereal, pizza, soda and potato chips.[1] Eighteen states will ban the purchase of candy and sugar-sweetened beverages through the SNAP program starting in 2026.[1] Kennedy blames ultra-processed foods for chronic disease and supports the elimination of artificial colors.[1][2] Firms such as Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Nestlé and Conagra agreed to phase out synthetic dyes under government pressure.[2] Texas and Louisiana have warning label laws for foods with ingredients banned in Europe.[1][2]