Food regulation update March 30: The latest on MAHA and related developments

CHICAGO, March 30, 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’s False Statements – HHS Secretary Kennedy was a guest this week on the Bossticks podcast. He used his usual talking points on the unhealthy state of our country, continued pesticide use and the lack of viable options for replacement, and how the food industry has contributed to the public health crisis. He claimed the “food industry captured” FDA meaning the industry controls the FDA to ultimately dictate regulations for the industry’s favor. This then led to discussion on the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) process and how there are about 10,000 ingredients in our food supply that are not safe for consumption particularly when you compare the U.S. with Europe. “Our food is the most chemically laden.” Kennedy made the false claim that the Trump administration has addressed the so-called GRAS “loophole.” “We have modified the GRAS loophole—indeed, we have closed it,” Kennedy asserted. This is not the case as we are waiting on the release of a proposed rule on GRAS reform. In addition, Kennedy also falsely claimed that food dyes had gotten to market through the GRAS process, which is not the case. In fact, color additives must go through a premarket approval process. However, is this a preview of what is to come with GRAS reform? Kennedy and supporters have long touted about closing this “loophole” which basically means ensuring a manufacturer has submitted safety data on an ingredient to FDA and has received a “no questions” letter prior to going to market. As it currently stands, the FDA has submitted a proposed rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), where it has been under review since December and yet to be released for public comment. Following the comment period, the FDA will be required to assess the feedback, finalize the rule, and proceed with its implementation. Kennedy wrapped up his interview noting he wants to end the chronic disease epidemic if not put a “dent into it.”

As we are waiting for the proposed GRAS rule now is the time to take inventory and assess ingredients being used in a company’s portfolio. If any ingredient was self-affirmed GRAS it would be prudent to reassess the safety dossier and studies used to substantiate the ingredients safety to ensure it is robust and ready to be submitted to FDA for review.

USDA

Investment Announcement - During National Agriculture Week the USDA Secretary Rollins announced more than $15 billion in targeted investments to revitalize rural America, lower costs for communities, bolster infrastructure, and sustain economic opportunity in the Heartland. Key initiatives include $700 million for regenerative agriculture to improve soil health and a focus on expanding electric, water, and waste disposal systems.

Impact from Iran War - During an appearance on Fox News USDA Secretary Rollins stated that the Iran war is unlikely to significantly increase costs for most U.S. farmers during the spring planting season, as many have already bought fertilizer. She noted that 20-25% of farmers still purchasing may need to adjust their crop choices due to higher prices. Rollins added that the Middle East conflict should not lead to a lasting rise in food prices, emphasizing any increases are likely temporary. “On food prices, this is a temporary conflict. The president has said that. There shouldn't be really a food price increase, at least for the long term.”

School Districts Sound Alarm - More than 900 school districts, along with school nutrition professionals and organizations, sent a letter to USDA Secretary Rollins urging USDA not to raise protein requirements for school meals under the revised meal pattern guidelines. The letter explains that students are already meeting or exceeding current protein recommendations and adds that increasing meat or meat alternatives would further strain school nutrition program budgets.

CDC

Director - Recently published reports state that earlier this week, the Trump administration narrowed its search for a new CDC director to about six candidates, including former Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher (R) and Johns Hopkins cardiologist Joseph Marine. Since Susan Monarez was dismissed in August, CDC has not had a full-time director. After Jim O'Neill, Bhattacharya stepped in as acting director, but federal guidelines limit how long such interim appointments can last—up to 210 days. NIH director Jay Bhattacharya's time as acting CDC director ended this week under the Vacancies Reform Act, and the administration had planned to name a permanent political appointee. However, later in the week, they announced the process to select a permanent CDC director would be delayed indefinitely, so acting head Jay Bhattacharya will continue to lead the agency past an important deadline. "Dr. Bhattacharya will keep handling the delegable duties of the CDC director," said HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon. Bhattacharya will remain responsible for CDC-related tasks, though he will not officially hold the title.

STATES

Colorado Delays SNAP Restrictions - The Colorado Board of Human Services has postponed its decision on restricting the use of SNAP benefits for most sweetened beverages until late April. The Colorado Healthy Choice Waiver, which was set to limit eligible beverages purchased with SNAP benefits beginning April 30, will now be delayed as a result of the board's vote. Board members noted that their deliberations balanced the goal of reducing sugar consumption with concerns about imposing additional restrictions on low-income individuals.

California - California's new bill, AB 2244, represents the state's ongoing commitment to addressing concerns over ultra-processed foods. The proposed legislation introduces a voluntary front-of-package seal that manufacturers may apply for, indicating their products are not classified as ultra-processed. According to Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, the initiative aims to assist consumers in making healthier choices at the grocery store and encourage food companies to reformulate products to meet the criteria for the seal. Assemblyman Gabriel has previously authored significant legislation targeting food dyes and additives, as well as last year's law restricting ultra-processed foods in schools, which was enacted in the fall. The definition of "ultra-processed food" remains a topic of discussion; however, this bill adopts the same criteria as the recent California school legislation. Under the bill, foods are deemed ultra-processed if they contain certain additives—such as emulsifiers, flavors, and preservatives—and are also high in sugar, salt, and fat, or include non-nutritive sweeteners. Assemblyman Gabriel expressed his intention to have AB 2224 presented to Governor Gavin Newsom by August or September.

OTHER NEWS

New Survey Results - President Trump and HHS Secretary Kennedy have low favorability and job ratings, with Kennedy 12 points underwater. MAHA, however, is viewed much more positively by battleground voters, with +7 overall favorability and even higher scores among independents (+10) and voters prioritizing food issues (+16), according to recent Navigator Research surveys. Impact Research surveyed 1,500 likely 2026 voters (margin of error ±2.5%), finding food safety was a top congressional priority (61%), second to lowering health care costs (68%). Other priorities included food affordability (48%), cost of goods (47%), and support for local farms (46%). Most respondents favored banning certain chemicals from food (76%) and ultra-processed foods in school lunches (55%).

National Institute of Health (NIH) - The NIH announced the launch of the Scientific Freedom Lecture Series. NIH Director, Dr. Bhattacharya, described the series as an “exciting new forum aimed at advancing transparency, rigor, and open scientific inquiry.” He added, “Scientific progress depends on discovery, but also the freedom to question, debate, and examine evidence wherever it leads.” NIH Seeks Feedback - NIH invites input on its Agency-Wide Strategic Plan for FY 2027-2031. The plan outlines how NIH will advance research to improve health and reduce disease. Provide feedback by attending the April 8 webinar (2:30–3:30 PM ET; registration required) or submit comments online by May 16, 2026. 

General Mills Commitment - General Mills announced that its entire portfolio of K-12 school foods is now made without synthetic dyes, successfully achieving this transition ahead of its summer 2026 commitment.