Fact Checking RFK Jr.’s Claims About Food and Nutrition

We fact checked five of his most repeated claims.

As part of a promise to address the high rates of chronic disease in the United States, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — who was recently tapped by President-elect Donald J. Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services — has said that he would “fix our broken food system.”

In interviews and on social media, Mr. Kennedy has made a number of claims about the country’s food supply and eating habits. We fact-checked five of his most repeated refrains.

Ultraprocessed Foods

His claim: Ultraprocessed foods are driving the obesity epidemic, and they should be removed from school lunches.

What the research suggests: Many public health and nutrition experts agree that ultraprocessed foods — which make up an estimated 73 percent of the U.S. food supply — are probably contributing to the obesity crisis in the United States, and it would be beneficial to cut back on them.

But the category is wide-ranging, and it’s not clear if all ultraprocessed foods are harmful, experts say. There may be downsides to avoiding some ultraprocessed foods, like flavored yogurts and whole wheat breads and cereals, they add, because they can provide valuable nutrients.

Lindsey Smith Taillie, an associate professor of nutrition at the U.N.C. Gillings School of Global Public Health, said that it would be “transformative” to remove ultraprocessed foods from school lunches. But, she added, schools would need more resources to prepare meals from scratch.

Food Dyes

His claim: Food dyes cause cancer, and A.D.H.D. in children.

What the research suggests: While some small clinical trials have suggested that certain synthetic food dyes may increase hyperactivity in children, there is no solid evidence that they directly cause A.D.H.D. However, many experts agree that because food dyes aren’t nutritionally necessary, it wouldn’t hurt to avoid them.

In 1990, the Food and Drug Administration banned the use of Red Dye No. 3 in cosmetics after research in animals linked it to cancer. At the time, the agency said that it would also work to extend the ban to foods and drugs, but it has not yet done so. The F.D.A. is currently reviewing the safety of Red Dye No. 3.

Raw Milk

His claim: Mr. Kennedy has said that he only drinks raw milk and has suggested that the restrictions on small farmers from selling raw milk should be re-examined.

What the research suggests: Food safety experts say that because raw (or unpasteurized) milk can contain harmful pathogens like E. coli, listeria and salmonella, drinking it can cause serious food-borne illness, so it should be avoided. Raw milk is especially risky for young children, older adults, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

Sugar

His claim: Mr. Kennedy has suggested that consuming too many added sugars, especially from high fructose corn syrup, contributes to childhood obesity and cardiovascular disease.

What the research suggests: This is correct. There is solid evidence that consuming too many added sugars, including from high fructose corn syrup, can drive up the risk for a number of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, obesity and cavities.

Americans consume, on average, about twice the American Heart Association’s recommended limit for added sugars, with sweetened beverages like sugary sodas being a top source.

Seed Oils

His claim: Americans are being “unknowingly poisoned” by seed oils like canola, soybean and sunflower oils, and it would be healthier for restaurants to fry food in beef tallow instead.

What the research suggests: The claim that seed oils are harmful to health is false, nutrition experts say. Decades of research have shown that seed oils are not only safe, but the heart-healthy unsaturated fats they contain have been linked with reduced risks for cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancer and earlier death. Seed oils are a far better choice for health than solid fat alternatives, like beef tallow, butter or lard, which are high in saturated fats.

Food Safety Issues and How to Avoid Them

• E. Coli: A deadly outbreak spurred removal of onions by a major food supplier in the Mountain West. Taco Bell, KFC, Burger King and Pizza Hut have stopped serving onions at various locations.
• Listeria: A listeria outbreak has been linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, leading to a recall of seven million pounds of the company’s products. Here’s what to know.
• Elevated Lead Levels: One dozen of 36 cinnamon products tested by a consumer group contained elevated levels of lead, according to a study that reinforced concerns about metals in foods after tainted cinnamon applesauce poisoned dozens of children last year.
• Refreezing Food: Shuttling dishes and ingredients from fridge to freezer and back again can be totally fine, as long as you follow these guidelines.
• Norovirus: The virus is extremely contagious, and, as anyone who has had it can tell you, extremely unpleasant.
• Salmonella: People often get sick with salmonellosis, the infection caused by the bacteria, after eating undercooked meat or other contaminated foods.