Latest from Food Politics: 60 Minutes: RFK Jr on non-regulation of ultra-processed food

On February 15, CBS News’ Bill Whitaker interviewed RFK Jr, former FDA Commissioner David Kessler, and journalist Michael Pollan about ultra-processed foods and what to do about them. Transcript of the entire program Michael Pollan clip As far as I am ...

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By Marion Nestle February 24 2026 60 Minutes: RFK Jr on non-regulation of ultra-processed food On February 15, CBS News’ Bill Whitaker interviewed RFK Jr, former FDA Commissioner David Kessler, and journalist Michael Pollan about ultra-processed foods and what to do about them. Transcript of the entire program Michael Pollan clip As far as I am concerned, this is the money quote: This is classic RFK Jr: put everything on personal responsibility, never mind how hard it is for people to resist eating unhealthfully in today’s food environment. As I explained last August, David Kessler gave RFK Jr a gift.  He sent him a letter presenting a  Citizen’s Petition arguing that if the FDA wanted to help people reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods, all it had to do was to define ultra-processed foods as Not GRAS. The FDA is required to respond to citizens’ petitions within 180 days. During the 60 Minutes program, RFK Jr said: We will act on– on David Kessler’s petition. And the questions that he’s asking are questions that FDA should’ve been asking a long, long time ago. “Act on?”  What does this mean? Will the FDA act to regulate ultra-processed foods? I will believe it when I see it. Food Industry Comments (thanks to the invaluable Hagstrom Report) Consumer Brands Association and American Farm Bureau Federation statements to “60 Minutes” Corn Refiners Association — Letter to CBS News The post 60 Minutes: RFK Jr on non-regulation of ultra-processed food appeared first on Food Politics by Marion Nestle      Related Posts MAHA hypocrisy in action: glyphosate The Super Bowl ads: Processed food kills My latest publication: BMJ editorial on the dietary guidelines   Now Available: What to Eat Now My new book, What to Eat Now, is officially out! It's both a field guide to food shopping in America and a reflection on how to eat well—and deliciously. For more information and to order, click here. You can explore the full archive of this (almost) daily blog at foodpolitics.com, where you'll also find information about my books, articles, media interviews, upcoming lectures, favorite resources, and FAQs. Visit the Site » ​​​​​​​ Marion Nestle Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, Emerita © Marion Nestle. You're receiving this email because you've signed up to receive updates from us. If you'd prefer not to receive updates, you can unsubscribe. Safely Unsubscribe • Archives • Preferences • Contact • Subscribe • Privacy

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Latest from Food Politics: MAHA hypocrisy in action: glyphosate

RFK Jr may have lied to the Senate about vaccines, but it is now evident that he also lied to his supporters about getting toxic chemicals out of the food supply. Let’s start here:  Well, it wasn’t his USDA (he’s Secretary of HHS), apparently. ...

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By Marion Nestle February 23 2026 MAHA hypocrisy in action: glyphosate RFK Jr may have lied to the Senate about vaccines, but it is now evident that he also lied to his supporters about getting toxic chemicals out of the food supply. Let’s start here:  Well, it wasn’t his USDA (he’s Secretary of HHS), apparently. Now we have President Trump’s executive order: PROMOTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE BY ENSURING AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF ELEMENTAL PHOSPHORUS AND GLYPHOSATE-BASED HERBICIDES. There is no direct one-for-one chemical alternative to glyphosate-based herbicides.  Lack of access to glyphosate-based herbicides would critically jeopardize agricultural productivity, adding pressure to the domestic food system, and may result in a transition of cropland to other uses due to low productivity.  Given the profit margins growers currently face, any major restrictions in access to glyphosate-based herbicides would result in economic losses for growers and make it untenable for them to meet growing food and feed demands. Never mind the multiple independent research studies and judgment by cancer experts of the World Health Organization that glyphosate is potentially carcinogenic (see account in The New Lede). Never mind that Bayer, which bought Monsanto and now owns glyphosate, just said it would put $7.5 billion into settling lawsuits over it. Never mind that glyphosate is in everything, including bread. Hypocrisy alert: RFK Jr now says he supports the president’s decision on glyphosate. No wonder we are seeing fabulous satires like this one: Resources The first piece of proposed legislation to overturn this, the ‘No Immunity for Glyphosate Act.’  Want to take bets on how far it gets? Fact sheet from the Center for Biological Diversity The post MAHA hypocrisy in action: glyphosate appeared first on Food Politics by Marion Nestle      Related Posts The Super Bowl ads: Processed food kills My latest publication: BMJ editorial on the dietary guidelines Journal retracts paper exonerating glyphosate (Roundup) from any harm to humans.   Now Available: What to Eat Now My new book, What to Eat Now, is officially out! It's both a field guide to food shopping in America and a reflection on how to eat well—and deliciously. For more information and to order, click here. You can explore the full archive of this (almost) daily blog at foodpolitics.com, where you'll also find information about my books, articles, media interviews, upcoming lectures, favorite resources, and FAQs. Visit the Site » ​​​​​​​ Marion Nestle Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, Emerita © Marion Nestle. You're receiving this email because you've signed up to receive updates from us. If you'd prefer not to receive updates, you can unsubscribe. Safely Unsubscribe • Archives • Preferences • Contact • Subscribe • Privacy

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