Food regulation update March 23: The latest on MAHA and related developments

CHICAGO, March 23, 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

MAHA PAC - The MAHA Political Action Committee is launching a $100 million campaign to support “Make America Healthy Again” candidates backed by President Trump for the 2026 midterms. The Kennedy-aligned super PAC aims to counter large donations from pharmaceutical, food, and agriculture industries to Democratic opponents, who they claim are working against health reforms led by Secretary Kennedy and President Trump. According to MAHA PAC president Tony Lyons, winning the midterms is crucial to advancing efforts to end chronic disease in America. “These industries have poisoned our food supply, corrupted our healthcare system, and turned America into the chronic disease capital of the world—all while Democrats abandon the public to protect their dwindling power”, the MAHA PAC press release noted.

Lawsuits Against MAHA Efforts - A group of SNAP beneficiaries has filed a federal lawsuit in Washington, D.C., challenging the USDA's approval of state waivers that restrict which foods can be purchased with SNAP benefits. The plaintiffs claim the USDA overstepped its legal authority, failed to follow proper policymaking procedures under the Administrative Procedure Act, and harmed SNAP participants by altering the longstanding definition of "food." They seek to stop waivers in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia, which is 5 out of 22 states with SNAP waivers where products like sugary drinks, candy, and some processed foods have been restricted. The suit is supported by the National Center for Law and Economic Justice and Shinder Cantor Lerner, without food industry involvement. Currently, a West Virginia ban on synthetic dyes is paused, and a federal court found Texas' MAHA labeling law likely unconstitutional.

Need a Laugh? - MAHA became the target of a Saturday Night Live segment focused on “MAHAspital” The laugh out loud segment is a spoof on all things MAHA. It was picked up by some notable social media accounts including Rolling Stone.

FEDERAL

Plant Powered School Meals - Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California introduced the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act to help schools boost plant-based menu options. The bill provides $12 million in grants - including $2 million for non-dairy milk - for staff training, ingredient procurement from underserved producers, and nutrition education. This new bill Co-sponsored by Democratic Senators Alex Padilla of CA, Angela Alsobrooks of MD, and Cory Booker of NJ – is a Senate companion to House legislation HR 5876 first introduced by Democratic Representative Nydia Valazquez of NY and Alma Adams of NC in October 2025. Currently, the bill is under consideration by the US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry before a possible full Senate vote.

USDA

School Meals - During an appearance on Fox News, Senior White House and MAHA adviser Calley Means announced HHS is partnering with USDA to develop new regulations concerning student education in nutrition and health. According to Means, these proposed measures are designed to foster children's interest in cooking and enhance their understanding of agriculture. "We are collaborating with USDA and Brooke Rollins to establish a regulation intended to inspire children to learn about cooking. School districts will organize farm visits for students. At present, 95 percent of children have not had the opportunity to visit a farm." He also addressed the adverse effects of ultra-processed foods, particularly regarding school meals, military meals, and the SNAP program. Means focused on home prepared meals during his interview noting, "Preparing meals at home with family ranks among the most advantageous practices for individual health. Therefore, we are coordinating efforts across various government agencies to provide training, educational resources, and outreach programs." Additionally, it should be noted that the USDA is engaged in rulemaking for a separate regulation intended to align school lunch programs with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. As reported by USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Patrick Penn, public comments on these guidelines are anticipated to be collected “later this year.”

SNAP - USDA Secretary Rollins and HHS Secretary Kennedy published a joint opinion piece in Fox News highlighting the need to strengthen SNAP retailer stocking standards. “At long last, we are modernizing SNAP to responsibly steward taxpayer dollars, promote healthy eating and empower Americans to lead better lives,” said Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy. “This pending final rule squares with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ call to eat real food by ensuring low-income Americans have healthy options available wherever they shop.” As a reminder, we are waiting for the final rule to be released which appears to be soon. Read the full piece here.

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) - The updated Crediting Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program was released by USDA and now available online. This technical resource helps CACFP operators plan menus that meet USDA meal pattern requirements, supporting healthy meals and outcomes for families. It also complements the Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs by offering guidance on meal planning and food crediting. The revised handbook features current CACFP meal patterns, crediting guidance by component, practical exercises, and a list of resources, with clearer guidance and updated examples matching current policy.

FDA

Gluten Ingredient Disclosure - FDA is extending the comment period on a Request for Information regarding labeling and preventing cross-contact of gluten in packaged food. Electronic or written comments must be submitted by April 22, 2026.

OTHER NEWS

Public Trust Eroding - A recent survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center shows that 67% of Americans trust federal health agency career scientists, while only 43% trust agency leaders. The survey also found that just 38% are confident in HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and 42% trust Mehmet Oz at CMS to provide reliable public health information. In addition, public trust in the CDC, FDA, and NIH dropped significantly from 2024 (74%-76%), the final year of the Biden administration, to 2025 (67%), the first year of this Trump administration – and fell again, now, in 2026 (60-62%). Find the full survey here.