Experts discuss the potential impact of RFK Jr.'s nomination on our dietary habits.

If Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is confirmed as the next Health and Human Services Secretary, diet and nutrition experts suggest he could bring about changes in various areas related to healthy eating. These changes may include revamping school lunch programs, setting new standards for seed oils and ultra-processed foods, and imposing limits on toxins.

Kennedy, who aims to "Revitalize America's Health," has been a strong proponent of changes to the food sector, and President-elect Trump has stated that he will be given the freedom to "Unleash on Health" if he is elected.

If confirmed, Kennedy would have the opportunity to oversee the revision of the federal government's "Dietary Guidelines for Americans," a powerful tool in shaping public perception about what is healthy. The guidelines must be revised every five years, with the next update deadline in 2025. Kennedy would be responsible for hiring the experts who draft the guidelines.

Nina Teicholz, nutrition expert and founder of The Nutrition Coalition, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that she knows they truly want to concentrate on children.

Teicholz, who has been in talks with Kennedy's team regarding the new national dietary guidelines, proposed that he could utilize them to make changes to school lunches, including limiting sugar intake, which currently has no restriction, and reintroducing whole milk to school cafeterias, which was banned under the Obama administration.

Teicholz stated that adding whole milk to school cafeterias could decrease the frequency of children consuming high-sugar, flavored-milk beverages. She also emphasized that the current recommendation of keeping whole milk out of schools is based on the saturated fat content in milk, but there is no substantial evidence to suggest that saturated fats have any adverse effects on children.

"Teicholz stated that she believes Kennedy intends to advocate for evidence-based policy changes, which involves avoiding decisions based on weak scientific evidence."

Kennedy could also target other "low-hanging fruit" related to the guidelines, as suggested by Teicholz.

Kennedy could utilize the guidelines to refine the definition of ultra-processed foods, which is a sector of the food industry that she has previously criticized. Teicholz also mentioned that research on "ultra-processed foods" is limited, so Kennedy may commission more studies on such foods.

Dave Asprey, an author and nutrition advocate, believes that it is likely that Kennedy will include toxin limits in the new dietary guidelines, specifically targeting pesticides and herbicides that have been under scrutiny. Additionally, Asprey predicts that Kennedy and his team may establish new standards for animal feed.

Kennedy's background as a trial lawyer could greatly benefit him in initiating legal proceedings against companies that still promote outdated, unhealthy guidelines.

Asprey questioned where he could have a significant impact on real change, specifically regarding dietary guidelines that influence how children are fed, hospital practices, and public policy.

Kennedy has been seeking support for his nomination on Capitol Hill and, according to GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., Kennedy promised to exercise restraint and use a light touch when regulating the food and agriculture industries.

Mara Fleishman, CEO of the Chef Ann Foundation, a healthy-eating nonprofit, believes that the Trump administration's limited-government approach to governing may conflict with Kennedy's efforts to reform the food industry.

Fleishman stated, "Time will reveal whether RFK Jr. can accomplish anything."

Kennedy's representatives did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's inquiry.