Robert F Kennedy Jr spoke in Washington DC on June 23, 2025. In a surprising turn of events, he was seen endorsing a company that produces meals with ultra-processed ingredients, despite his previous criticism of such products. The company in question, Mom’s Meals, specializes in providing “medically tailored” meals to individuals across the United States.
Critics have raised concerns about companies like Mom’s Meals taking advantage of the “food is medicine” movement by offering meals high in salt and fat to vulnerable populations, with the costs often covered by health insurance. Despite these criticisms, Kennedy praised the company and its efforts to promote health during his “Make America healthy again” tour.
However, nutritionists have pointed out that Mom’s Meals’ menus may not be as nutritious as claimed, as they contain ultra-processed ingredients that could be detrimental to one’s health. Some experts have given the meals a mediocre rating, emphasizing the need for healthier alternatives.
Mom’s Meals has defended its offerings, stating that its meals are carefully designed by professionals to meet specific medical guidelines. The company has refuted claims that its products contain commonly found ultra-processed ingredients, highlighting their commitment to quality and health standards.
The debate around ultra-processed foods continues, with ongoing research suggesting that these products may contribute to issues such as obesity and diabetes. However, the classification of what constitutes ultra-processed foods remains a topic of discussion among nutrition experts and policymakers.
Bills have been proposed to regulate food processors. The term “ultra-processed” has gained popularity since Kennedy began portraying it as a threat to the US food system, criticizing the industrialized methods as harmful to the American population during his confirmation hearing. His agency is also preparing an assertive public relations campaign to alert the public about the risks associated with such foods. Nestle remarked, “I am puzzled as to why he targets these food items as the solution to America’s food issues.” She added that meals made with high-quality ingredients and without additives would likely be more expensive and require freezing for transportation. It is worth noting that the state initiative follows a significant bill signed by Republicans and Donald Trump to reduce $1 trillion from Medicaid and $186 billion from government food assistance programs, commonly referred to as “food stamps,” over the next ten years. Medicaid is a public health insurance program that supports 71 million low-income, disabled, and elderly Americans. This is not the first time Kennedy has sparked controversy by endorsing specific companies. In a recent visit to Steak ‘n Shake, a fast-food restaurant known for its burgers and fries, he applauded the use of beef tallow in their cooking process and made contentious remarks about vaccines.
