Food regulation update June 5: The latest on MAHA and related developments

CHICAGO, June 5, 2026 — IFMA The Food Away from Home Association launched a new benefit for members: A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. The report is compiled and written by Dr. Joy Dubost, a renowned food scientist and registered dietitian with strong knowledge of what's happening on the regulatory front.

MAHA

Kennedy Visits Dairy Farm

HHS Secretary Kennedy joined Rep. Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin for a roundtable discussion with dairy farmers focused on agriculture, nutrition, and the role of dairy products in healthy diets. The event aligned with Kennedy's emphasis on food, nutrition, and chronic disease prevention, while also highlighting the economic importance of Wisconsin's dairy industry. Van Orden has been an advocate for dairy producers and has supported efforts to expand access to milk and dairy products through federal nutrition programs.

Secretary Kennedy emphasized the nutritional benefits of whole milk and other dairy products recognized in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans while visiting several farms. At Gilbertson Farm, local dairy leaders highlighted the role of dairy products in supporting the American diet. At Perrigo's facility, officials emphasized affordable, high-quality infant formula as an important source of safe, reliable nutrition for infants.

In addition, during the press event Kennedy noted that FDA is still considering front-of-package food labeling with green, red, and yellow lights (commonly referenced as traffic light labeling) "like they do in other countries," and that the Administration's definition for ultra-processed foods is "about to come out." Wisconsin remains the nation's leading dairy state and a key stakeholder in federal nutrition and agricultural policy discussions, particularly given Kennedy's affinity for whole-fat dairy.

Kennedy's Podcast

Secretary Kennedy has released additional episodes of his podcast with various guests. The topics include microplastics, psychiatric drugs, and the mind-body connection. Although not focused on nutrition or food policy, if interested the link for these episodes is here.

FEDERAL

AG-FDA Spending Bill

The House this week approved its FY2027 Agriculture-FDA spending bill, which would reduce USDA funding by approximately 3% or $675 million below FY2026 levels. Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD) characterized the reduction as a "modest" cut aimed at making USDA more responsive to farmers. The legislation maintains funding for core FDA food safety activities and includes several provisions aligned with the Administration's MAHA agenda.

The debate largely centered on proposed reductions to the WIC fruit and vegetable benefit, which serves more than 6.5 million participants. Notably, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously told lawmakers he was "not happy" with the planned cuts. Attention now shifts to the Senate, where appropriators have yet to advance their version of the bill, setting the stage for negotiations later this year over FDA funding, nutrition programs, and food safety priorities.

Research Grants

The Trump administration has proposed sweeping changes to the federal research grant process that would make scientific peer review advisory rather than determinative and give political appointees greater authority to review, modify, or terminate grants that do not align with administration priorities. The proposal specifically targets research related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as well as gender-transition interventions for individuals under age 19.

Supporters, including the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), say the changes would improve accountability and reduce wasteful spending, while scientific organizations and advocacy groups argue they could politicize the grant-making process and undermine the independence of federally funded research. Public comments on the proposal are being accepted through July 13.

USDA

Rollins and Sonderling Tour North Carolina Farm

USDA Secretary Rollins and Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling visited North Carolina as part of a broader effort to highlight the intersection of agriculture, workforce development, and rural economic growth. The visit focused on labor availability, workforce training, and the importance of a skilled workforce to support U.S. crop production and food systems. Sonderling has recently emphasized apprenticeship and "earn while you learn" programs as a strategy to address labor shortages in rural communities and agricultural regions. Labor remains one of the most significant challenges facing U.S. agriculture, particularly for labor-intensive sectors. The joint appearance signals continued coordination between USDA and the Department of Labor on workforce issues affecting farmers and rural employers.

Implications from the Reorganization

USDA's planned reorganization, including the closure of the Beltsville, MD Agricultural Research Center, could seriously disrupt U.S. nutrition surveillance and intake data. Of particular concern is the Agricultural Research Service's Food Surveys Research Group, which manages key resources such as What We Eat in America (WWEIA), specifically the critical dietary intake component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) that is overseen by CDC and considered one of the most important sources of health and nutrition data in the U.S. USDA's Food Surveys Research Group also oversees the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies, the Food Patterns Equivalent Database, and other surveys relied on by researchers for nutrition research and food safety assessments.

As an example, FDA relies on WWEIA data to estimate exposure to contaminants in the food supply such as heavy metals, so weakening this capacity would undermine some of the MAHA-focused efforts, but more importantly science-based safety evaluations. As reported last week, the debate on USDA's reorganization has hit Capitol Hill. To preserve these much-needed databases, it seems prudent to ensure the staff who support these services remain in the DC metro area, particularly as they collaborate with the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, which oversees the NHANES and is located in D.C. Together, NHANES and WWEIA provide an essential national resource by linking dietary intake with health data and as such should remain a top priority for Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Rollins. If you are concerned about the future security of these critical tools in nutrition research, contact your respective members of Congress to voice your concern.

SNAP Cuts Impact on School Meals

A new report from the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) highlights growing concerns among school districts that recent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could undermine children's access to school meals and increase food insecurity. According to the report, 74% of large school districts surveyed are concerned about how reductions in SNAP and Medicaid participation will affect school meal administration and student participation. The connection is significant because children in SNAP households are automatically certified for free school meals through a process known as direct certification. As SNAP participation declines, fewer students may qualify automatically, increasing paperwork burdens for families and schools while potentially causing eligible children to miss out on meal benefits.

In addition, FRAC conducted a survey of 96 large school districts across the country. The findings indicated 81 school districts (84%) reported high food costs and 78 school districts (81%) reported increased labor costs. On a positive note, districts that provided universal school meals reported numerous benefits including increasing food security (96%); eliminating school meal debt (93%); reducing stigma (89%); supporting household finances (88%); supporting academic achievement (88%); supporting parents and guardians (88%); easing administrative burden (86%); improving student behavior (76%); and building community within the school and district (76%).

FRAC also reported that SNAP enrollment has fallen by approximately 3.3 million people over the past year following federal eligibility changes. School nutrition leaders are also concerned about the impact on the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows high-poverty schools to offer free meals to all students. Lower SNAP participation could make it more difficult for schools to qualify for CEP or maintain reimbursement levels, potentially limiting access to free meals and increasing administrative costs. These concerns come as districts continue to face rising food and labor costs, underscoring the critical role that federal nutrition programs play in supporting both student health and school meal operations.

STATES

Colorado

Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D) signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to healthy foods and physical activity. The order prohibits most state agencies from using taxpayer funds to buy alcohol or soft drinks for official events and directs agencies to broaden access to healthy foods and nutrition programs. It also calls for pursuing SNAP waivers, expanding incentives for fruit and vegetable purchases, increasing the use of Colorado-grown foods in schools, and strengthening nutrition education.

Vermont

Lawmakers in Vermont have dropped legislative efforts to prohibit certain food and color additives served in school food. School nutrition leaders described the ban as an unfunded mandate for schools that would have created new procurement and compliance requirements, while having minimal impact.

OTHER NEWS

UPF

The debate around ultra-processed foods (UPFs) continues to gain momentum. This week, the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) announced new U.S.-focused research findings examining the health impacts of UPFs, accompanied by a Washington, D.C. forum titled "Big Food's Tobacco Moment: Evidence on the Harms of Ultra-Processed Food" held at the National Press Club. The findings from the studies were unveiled during the forum featuring well-recognized public health researchers.

Throughout the event, speakers who were mainly academics argued that a significant body of evidence links high UPF consumption to obesity, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and cognitive decline, while drawing parallels between the tactics used by major food companies and those historically employed by the tobacco industry. To set the stage, the associate editor of the AJPH provided opening remarks where he defined UPF as "products you cannot make in your own home." This definition is even more restrictive than some commonly referenced UPF definitions and, although it may seem practical to some consumers, does not align with many of the foods recommended in the Dietary Guidelines. For example, where would whole grain products, healthy oils, and some protein sources — just to name a few — fall into this definition? Once again, it seems the definition continues to shift to be even more extreme, now excluding many scientifically established recommended food groups.

A major theme throughout the event was the role tobacco companies played in shaping the modern food supply after acquiring major food manufacturers such as Kraft and Nabisco in the 1980s and 1990s. Researchers presented evidence suggesting that product formulation, marketing strategies, and consumer targeting techniques used in tobacco were later applied to food products, including the development of highly palatable foods designed to encourage repeat consumption, particularly those targeted toward children. Several presenters also highlighted emerging research examining food addiction, hyper-palatability, and the impact of UPFs on the gut microbiome and chronic disease risk.

For the food industry, the event underscores the rapidly evolving policy and litigation landscape surrounding UPFs. Speakers discussed the potential for tobacco-style regulatory approaches, increased scrutiny of food marketing practices, product formulation, labeling, and possible future litigation targeting manufacturers of UPFs. The event also highlighted growing alignment among public health advocates, academic researchers, and advocacy organizations seeking stronger government action on UPFs. As federal agencies, state policymakers, and advocacy groups increasingly focus on food system reform, food manufacturers should expect continued attention on ingredient composition, processing methods, marketing practices, and the role of UPFs in public health discussions. As states continue to implement their own regulatory definition of UPF, we are waiting for FDA to release a proposed definition, which continues to be rumored for release this summer.

In conjunction with the event and publication release, a new coalition was announced named the "Fed Up Movement." It is comprised of public health advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and concerned citizens focused on addressing diet-related chronic disease and improving the U.S. food system. Of note is the scientific contributors listed and partner organizations. According to the website, the organization was created to elevate awareness of the links between nutrition, food policy, and rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions. Its work centers on advocating for policies that promote healthier diets, reduce the consumption of UPFs and added sugars, and increase accountability across the food system.

Its primary goals include advancing evidence-based nutrition policies, supporting equitable access to healthy foods, strengthening food and nutrition education, and encouraging government action to address the health and economic burden of chronic disease. The movement emphasizes the importance of systemic change rather than relying solely on individual behavior change, arguing that food environments, marketing practices, and public policies play a significant role in shaping dietary choices. The coalition also notes it will work to amplify the voices of communities disproportionately affected by diet-related disease and food insecurity.

Through public education campaigns, policy advocacy, and coalition-building efforts, the Fed Up Movement seeks to influence federal, state, and local decision-makers on issues such as nutrition standards, food marketing, school meals, food labeling, and broader food system reforms. Its overarching vision is a food system that prioritizes health, equity, and long-term disease prevention while making nutritious foods more accessible and affordable for all Americans. It will be of interest to see if this new coalition picks up any momentum, particularly with loyal MAHA followers, and drives even further momentum at the state level.