Ultraprocessed foods make up half of the average American’s diet, contributing to obesity and malnutrition, according to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He attributes this issue to a 67-year-old GRAS exemption that allows companies to self-verify ingredient safety, resulting in potentially 4,000 to 10,000 unregulated ingredients in food products. Experts like former FDA head Dr. David Kessler warn that these foods are linked to chronic diseases and metabolic issues. Kennedy emphasizes the need for affordable whole foods and recognizes the crisis posed by ultraprocessed foods compared to tobacco.
