By Jared Whitley
Sugar is not a toxin, nor are the various FDA-approved additives currently under fire from popular influencers. The narrative is being shaped by catchy phrases that bypass, rather than engage with, scientific discourse. After all, social media platforms are not designed for detailed science communication. Instead, they cater to influencers who promote products alongside their pseudo-scientific chat.
Famous influencers and well-funded activists have become key players in recent MAHA “reforms.” They allege that American businesses are “poisoning us” while marketing their own expensive health-food products. These individuals profit from the fear and misinformation they generate.
Kennedy has embraced many of these activists in his MAHA movement and is leveraging their platforms to advance his vision. However, he must ensure that he remains in control. Politico highlights a new poll indicating emerging divisions among Trump supporters on this topic, noting that “the MAHA faction isn’t always in sync with Trump’s MAGA followers.” Many Trump supporters are concerned that national health directives are influenced more by influencers than by the president’s policies.
Several red states have taken up the “reform” baton by crafting bills that ban food additives or create onerous labelling regulations. But these efforts disregard FDA findings that these ingredients are safe to eat. The piecemeal public health regulations also present significant consequences, especially to consumers by limiting choice, and creating financial burdens on small businesses that may be passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices at the register.
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Policy change needs to be driven collaboratively with the food industry and consumers. Food companies have always pivoted to meet the changing preferences of their customers. The success of MAHA won’t be measured by nanny-state regulations pushed by celebrity activists and signed by Republican governors, but in how Kennedy moves the discussion with the public.
Those Republican state legislators who have voted for new regulations on food additives and restrictions should also understand – based on recent polling – that following MAHA at the expense of Trump’s priorities will have consequences. A majority (55 percent) noted that they would be less likely to support candidates who supported Kennedy over President Trump and his agenda, and they also worry that new food regulations will handcuff Trump’s ability to win the trade war with China.
Kennedy’s support of states usurping the role of the federal government on food safety is confusing. While these solo runs amplify his MAHA message, these state regulations stand to raise costs for everyone. People are already struggling to put food on the table and worrying about persistent inflation. There has even been a sharp uptick in the number of people using “buy now, pay later” services for the weekly grocery shop. Trump’s election promise to the MAGA faithful was to lower food prices, not raise them.
However, with the viral slogans in the background, the fissures between core Trump supporters and the MAHA movement can be easily mended. In a recent announcement, Kennedy and the FDA emphasized that they will work with the food industry to transition to natural food colorings. Imposing a ban before affordable alternatives are more widely available, especially since the FDA acknowledges there is no health risk, would only increase food prices.
The surveys of Republicans also find that 90 percent want transparency regarding ingredients, so they can make informed decisions, rather than having the federal government institute ingredient bans. In a Fox News interview, Kennedy emphasized that informed choice needs to be at the heart of any change. “You should know what that product is, what’s in your food, and what the health impacts are, and that’s all we’re going to do.” Knowing that the market continues to adapt, the FDA doesn’t anticipate the need for any statutory or regulatory changes.
It’s time to ignore the slogans, the background influencer noise, and the self-congratulatory headlines and take a breath.
It’s time for an informed discussion that understands that consumer choice should guide change.
