Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s potential appointment as Health and Human Services Secretary has sparked discussions about possible changes to US food policy. While his exact priorities remain unknown, experts suggest several areas ripe for reform, including school nutrition, ultra-processed food regulations, and toxin limits.

Kennedy, a vocal advocate for food industry reform, has been granted considerable leeway by President-elect Trump to address health concerns. A key opportunity lies in revising the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans," a powerful tool influencing public health perceptions. With the next update due in 2025, Kennedy would be responsible for selecting the expert panel drafting these guidelines.

Nutrition expert Nina Teicholz, who has consulted with Kennedy's team, suggests school lunches as a prime target for change. Potential revisions include capping sugar content and reintroducing whole milk, addressing concerns about high-sugar flavored milk consumption and outdated saturated fat guidelines. Teicholz emphasizes Kennedy's commitment to evidence-based policy, prioritizing sound scientific backing for any changes.

Beyond school meals, Kennedy might refine the definition of "ultra-processed foods," a category he has previously criticized, potentially commissioning further research into their impact. Author and nutrition advocate Dave Asprey anticipates Kennedy might introduce toxin limits within the dietary guidelines, focusing on scrutinized pesticides and herbicides, and potentially establishing new animal feed standards.

Asprey highlights Kennedy's legal background as an asset in pursuing companies promoting outdated health practices. He sees the dietary guidelines as a pivotal lever for change, impacting school nutrition, hospital practices, and broader public policy.

Despite Kennedy's stated intention to regulate the food and agriculture sectors with a "light touch," potential conflicts with the Trump administration's limited-government philosophy remain a concern, leaving the ultimate impact of Kennedy's potential reforms uncertain.