Human "biology was never intended to handle" ultraprocessed foods, former FDA head David Kessler warns

Key Points:

• Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former FDA commissioner Dr. David Kessler have united in concern over ultraprocessed foods, criticizing the 67-year-old GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) classification that allows many food additives without thorough government safety review.
• Ultraprocessed foods, which make up 50% of American caloric intake and 60% of children's diets, are linked to rising chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions, with experts comparing the public health crisis to tobacco's impact.
• Kennedy plans to close the GRAS loophole to ensure stricter safety evaluations of food ingredients, while Kessler is petitioning to revoke GRAS status for many processed carbohydrates unless proven safe, highlighting their role in metabolic harm and obesity.
• The food industry defends its practices, citing adherence to FDA standards and disputing the definition of ultraprocessed foods, while critics like author Michael Pollan point to federal subsidies for commodity crops like corn and soy that contribute to unhealthy food production.
• Legal actions, such as a San Francisco lawsuit against ultraprocessed food manufacturers, and calls for greater transparency and regulation echo efforts to address the health impacts of these foods, with officials emphasizing the need for public awareness and access to affordable, nutritious options.