In a significant development for the food industry, President Donald Trump has established the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, aimed at addressing the rising prevalence of chronic diseases among Americans. According to a report by the investment firm TD Cowen, this initiative may pose challenges for processed food companies and existing federal nutrition guidelines and programs.
The MAHA Commission was created through an executive order issued on February 13. The commission will be chaired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Other key participants include the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), among others. Vince Haley, who serves as the assistant to the president for domestic policy, will act as the executive director of the commission.
The MAHA Commission aims to shift the nation’s healthcare strategy towards preventive care and wellness, with a particular emphasis on nutrition. The executive order highlights various contributors to chronic diseases, including the American diet, food production methods, food ingredients, medications, and medical treatments. The administration’s goal is to create a healthcare system that prioritizes health promotion rather than merely managing diseases. Alarmingly, statistics indicate that 60% of Americans suffer from at least one chronic disease, while 40% are affected by two or more. Furthermore, 30% of adolescents are classified as prediabetic, and over 40% of teenagers are considered overweight or obese.
“To fully address the growing health crisis in America, we must redirect our national focus, in both public and private sectors, towards understanding and drastically lowering chronic disease rates and ending childhood chronic disease,” the executive order stated. It calls for innovative approaches to nutrition, physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and the reliance on medications and treatments, while also considering the impacts of technology, environmental factors, and the quality and safety of food and drugs.
Focus on Childhood Chronic Disease
The commission’s initial efforts will center on childhood chronic diseases. Within the first 100 days following the executive order, the MAHA Commission is expected to submit the “Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment,” a report that will assess the current state of childhood chronic diseases, evaluate existing research and data, and analyze federal efforts to combat these health issues. Following this assessment, the commission will present the “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy” action plan within 180 days, which aims to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases among children.
TD Cowen’s food industry analyst, Robert Moskow, noted that while the executive order primarily targets the pharmaceutical industry by linking the increased prescription of medications to the health crisis, it also raises concerns for food and beverage companies due to its implications for ultra-processed foods. Moskow pointed out a section of the order that calls for an examination of the childhood chronic disease crisis and its potential contributing factors, including dietary habits, exposure to toxic materials, lifestyle choices, environmental influences, government policies, food production techniques, and corporate practices.
Heightened Scrutiny of Food Production
Moskow believes the MAHA Commission may scrutinize the FDA’s GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) process, which allows companies to self-certify the safety of ingredients. Although these ingredients are considered safe in small quantities, there are concerns about the long-term effects and potential interactions between multiple processed foods consumed throughout the day. Additionally, the order calls for assessing the risks posed by the overutilization of medications, certain food ingredients, and chemical exposures on children, particularly concerning chronic inflammation and other established disease mechanisms.
Another area of concern is the influence of Dr. Casey Means, a health advocate who emphasizes the importance of individuals taking control of their health through diet, exercise, sleep, and the use of wearable health technology. Dr. Means has suggested minimizing the consumption of seed oils, which are prevalent in many packaged foods due to their low cost and stability. The potential implications of this recommendation could create significant challenges for food companies, as seed oils are commonly used in the industry.
The commission’s examination of food production practices may also focus on extensive industrial processing techniques that some argue deplete nutrients and accelerate calorie absorption. While companies utilize these methods to reduce production costs and extend product shelf life, they may face increased scrutiny from the MAHA Commission.
Although the timelines for the MAHA Commission’s assessments and action plans extend into late May and mid-August, the findings could lead to substantial recommendations for reformulations that food and beverage brands will need to implement. The executive order indicates that public hearings and expert consultations may be part of the process.
“The challenge with initiatives like this is that they often strain the internal resources of food companies, diverting attention from their core competencies of producing cost-effective, indulgent foods,” Moskow stated. “Food companies are likely to invest significant effort in the coming months to proactively eliminate artificial flavors and preservatives that may not align with new standards. However, removing widely used ingredients like seed oils could be a more complex and costly endeavor.”
As the MAHA Commission embarks on its mission, federal programs related to childhood health, such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and school lunch initiatives, may also come under scrutiny. Moskow noted that the executive order aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs, which are closely tied to children’s health.
As the commission moves forward, it is anticipated that the food industry will face increased pressure to adapt and respond to evolving health standards and consumer expectations.
