During confirmation hearings to become secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warned that “highly chemical-intensive processed foods” are “poisoning the American people.” 

A striking report from the federal government has since found that Americans on average get about half their calories from ultra-processed foods, which have been linked in studies to increased rates of obesity and chronic disease. 

A central part of the Make America Healthy Again movement’s food agenda is going after some common ingredients in packaged foods: seed oils, corn syrup and food dyes. But what kind of dent will these efforts make in America’s health? 

Today, host Elahe Izadi brings in nutrition columnist Anahad O’Connor and national health reporter Rachel Roubein to discuss MAHA’s popular food policies, what the science says about the threat of these ingredients and some simple steps we can all take to improve our diets. 

Read More: 

• Coke confirms cane sugar change. RFK Jr. calls it a MAHA win. Is it?
• What science says about artificial food dyes amid RFK Jr.’s push to ban them
• Which oil do you cook with? The answer can impact your health.
• Why additives are so common in America’s food
• Which breakfast is highest in sugar? Test your knowledge with our quiz.
• We analyzed dozens of ultra-processed foods. Here are the healthiest options.

Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon. It was edited by Peter Bresnan and mixed by Sam Bair. Thanks also to Emily Codik and Fenit Nirappil.

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