Coca-Cola is planning to introduce a version of its beverage made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup.
Notable companies in the food sector, like General Mills and Heinz, are pledging to eliminate certain artificial colorings from their products.
The fast-food chain Steak’n Shake has switched to using beef tallow for frying instead of vegetable oil.
Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is touting his “Again American Health” (Maha) initiative as a major achievement in his efforts to reform the U.S. food industry.
On social media, Kennedy remarked, “The flute loop is finally chasing its nose – to common sense,” following an agreement from grain producer WK Kellogg Co. to stop using synthetic dyes by 2027.
However, experts in nutrition and food policy express skepticism about the actual impact of these changes on improving public health.
Many commend the administration and Maha for acknowledging the flaws in the current food system, but they argue that most of these announced successes are mostly symbolic and rely heavily on the goodwill of the industry, which may be an effort to evade stricter regulations.
“If the goal is to genuinely enhance public health, then initiatives like merely swapping high-fructose corn syrup for cane sugar shouldn’t be the main focus. The administration could be using its influence on more effective solutions,” Fielding Singh commented.
“Efforts should concentrate on tackling the deeper issues at play. The current food system continues to promote excessive sugar, salt, and fat,” Singh added.
In recent weeks, health officials and Republican lawmakers have engaged with conservative media to highlight their commitment to removing synthetic dyes from food products, with HHS reporting that nearly 35% of the industry has made this pledge.
Nonetheless, experts note that these companies lack real accountability for their actions, which raises concerns.
“Simply switching from synthetic to natural colorants doesn’t mean these products are less likely to contribute to obesity,” stated Jerold Mande, a former senior official across multiple administrations, including the USDA and FDA.
Nutrition professor Barry Popkin at the University of North Carolina pointed out that Kennedy could make a more significant impact by advocating for a complete ban on artificial colors and dyes.
While this wouldn’t instantaneously improve American health, it could make heavily processed foods less attractive.
“These initiatives have been largely superficial and haven’t made much of a difference,” Popkin remarked. “Unless there’s regulatory change through the FDA, there won’t be substantial progress.”
Kennedy has also pointed out high-fructose corn syrup as a key factor linked to obesity and diabetes, labeling it as “poison.” He reiterated this stance in late April while discussing sugar.
When Steak’N Shake announced earlier this month that they would begin offering Coca-Cola made with real cane sugar, Kennedy praised the decision.
“Maha is winning,” he wrote on social media.
Despite that, experts caution there isn’t a meaningful benefit from using cane sugar as a substitute for high-fructose corn syrup.
“At the end of the day, cola is still cola—it’s not a nutritious choice like fruits or vegetables. If consumption isn’t shifting toward healthier, less processed options, then we aren’t really making strides in improving American health,” stated Mande, currently the CEO of Nourish Science.
Health officials maintain that industry collaboration is crucial for advancing Maha’s agenda.
“Partnering with the industry is a constructive starting point, and we trust that they will act responsibly when asked,” wrote Marty McCurry, director of the Centers for Food and Drug Administration, and Mehmet Oz, administrator for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“Our institutions can effectively guide Americans toward companies that are genuinely making positive changes. By the end, we should be better positioned to establish accountability,” McCurry and Oz highlighted.
However, many believe that the industry has not sufficiently faced pushback.
Aviva Musicus, director of public interest science at a nonprofit organization, remarked that Maha has squandered potential political influence.
“It’s concerning that the administration hasn’t employed policies to enhance the food system. Instead, it relies solely on voluntary industry commitments that have a track record of failure,” Musicus explained.
“In reforming the food industry, both Trump and RFK Jr. have the chance to fulfill their promises to combat chronic diseases. With Coca-Cola in the spotlight, they’re missing a crucial opportunity to genuinely improve public health.”
Popkin expressed a desire for warning labels on ultra-processed foods that contain high levels of sodium, sugar, and saturated fats.
“We haven’t made progress on ultra-processed foods yet. That’s an area where real change could address various non-communicable diseases, including obesity in the U.S. But we’re not there yet,” Popkin remarked.
In the coming months, more details about the Maha initiative’s plans for dietary changes in America are expected. Kennedy recently announced that updated dietary guidelines will be released “in the coming months.”
Additionally, a second MAHA report is anticipated in August that will outline further policy recommendations.
“We should remain hopeful that meaningful advancements are on the horizon,” Popkin said, “but so far, there’s nothing concrete. The next report should clarify whether any real progress has been made.”
