HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a dietary guidelines announcement at agency headquarters in Washington on Jan. 8.Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Sarah Todd returned to reporting in January 2025 after being assignment editor at STAT since October 2022. You can reach Sarah on Signal at sarahlizchar.47.

Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired the starting gun in a challenge to the food industry on Sunday, announcing on CBS’ “60 Minutes” that he plans to act on a plan outlined by former Food and Drug Administration chief David Kessler to overhaul ultra-processed foods.

“We will act on David Kessler’s petition,” Kennedy said on “60 Minutes.” “And the questions that he’s asking are questions that FDA should’ve been asking a long, long time ago.” 

Advertisement

It’s not yet clear when Kennedy will release his formal response to the citizen petition filed by Kessler, or what the letter will say. That leaves many of the details of his plans uncertain, including the timeline. 

STAT+ Exclusive Story

STAT+

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.

Already have an account? Log in

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $399/year

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $399/year

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.

Subscribe