Latest news with #RobertF.KennedyJr
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Main ingredient in coca-cola, the most American item ever, not anymore? Trump suggests cane sugar as replacement
Rumors are swirling that Coca-Cola is eyeing a significant recipe change in the U.S. market, potentially swapping out corn syrup for natural cane sugar. In a surprising twist, President Trump has claimed that Coca-Cola is on board with this alteration. With growing health concerns surrounding corn syrup, advocates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Coca-Cola may switch to cane sugar in US drinksCoca-Cola might soon use real cane sugar instead of corn syrup in its drinks sold in the United States. President Donald Trump announced on social media that the company has agreed to the wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday, "I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so. I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola." He added, "This will be a very good move by them - You'll see. It's just better!" read: A Trump self-goal? Coca-Cola to Coty, US firms brace for tariffs While not directly confirming the change, a Coca-Cola spokesperson said they "appreciate President Trump's enthusiasm" and that "more details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon".The potential change comes as health concerns about corn syrup have been raised. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who leads the Make America Healthy Again movement, has been critical of ingredients like corn syrup in American products. He advocates for their removal, linking them to various health issues. Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey mentioned in April that the company is working to reduce sugar in its drinks. He said, "we continue to make progress on sugar reduction in our beverages" by "changing recipes as well as by using our global marketing resources and distribution network to boost awareness of and interest in our ever-expanding portfolio".Currently, Coke in the US typically uses corn syrup, while Coke in other countries like Mexico and the UK often uses cane sugar.
UPI
11 hours ago
- Business
- UPI
FDA to end dozens of 'obsolete' rules for U.S. food items
"I'm eliminating outdated food regulations that no longer serve the interests of American families," U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (pictured July 15 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.) said Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo July 16 (UPI) -- The federal government says its ending a whole slew of "obsolete" U.S. food standards that Trump administration officials say also include "unnecessary" ones. "I'm eliminating outdated food regulations that no longer serve the interests of American families," stated U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it's revoking, or proposing to revoke, 52 federal standards for scores of food products in items such as canned fruit, vegetables, dairy, baked goods and macaroni products. It will also apply to areas of food safety, packaging, manufacturing and production practices and nutrition information, labeling and claims on American-made products. A proposal targets 23 types of product -- bakery, noodle and macaroni products, canned fruit juices, fish and shellfish along with flavoring and food dressings. Kennedy said his new U.S. food policy changes marked a "crucial step in my drive to cut through bureaucratic red tape, increase transparency and remove regulations that have outlived their purpose." In March he had ordered the FDA to revise its rule allowing food companies to "self-affirm" the safety of its own ingredients. FDA officials say Wednesday's unveiling is the first round of results in the ongoing review of its portfolio of over 250 "Standards on Identity," with a goal to "make sure they are useful, relevant and serve consumers." "Antiquated food standards are no longer serving to protect consumers. It is common sense to revoke them and move to a more judicious use of food standards and agency resources," said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. The Food and Drug Administration now contends that additional consumer protections mixed with advances in food science, production and agricultural practices have made it "unnecessary" to keep many of the older "recipe standards." A direct rule, which came with a proposed companion in case of a legal challenge, ends federal guidance and standards on 11 types of canned fruits and vegetables the FDA claimed is "no longer sold in U.S. grocery stores." It included seven rules for artificially-sweetened fruits with saccharin or sodium saccharin. The other proposed revocation of standards looks at 18 dairy product types to included certain milk and cream items, frozen desserts, cheese and cheese-related products. "The removal of these standards is in alignment with broader efforts to ensure that HHS is directing resources to where they're most needed," which federal officials say is in "delivering better outcomes for the American people." For example, an FDA analysis concluded that "little to no market" existed for dairy products like Goat's milk ice cream, acidified milk and acidified sour cream. It also included a plethora of cheese lines: Caciocavallo siliciano, Low sodium cheddar, Low sodium colby, Cook cheese, koch kaese, Gammelost, High-moisture jack, Nuworld, Samsoe, Mellorine and Sap sago cheese. In 1939, the U.S. government created food standards for a multitude of consumer and public health-related reasons part of massive social changes that took place under the administration of then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Kennedy's FDA under HHS argued that "many" of the "outdated and unnecessary" federal standards predate later requirements on American consumer protections on public issues such as ingredient safety and labeling. "Because few products covered by these food standards are currently marketed, revoking these 13 food standards would affect few small businesses," according to government officials. The agency claimed that with these changes, small businesses as a result may see "benefits of additional flexibility in product development."
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
US ice cream makers to remove synthetic dyes under RFK Jr initiative
WASHINGTON: Major US ice cream manufacturers have announced plans to eliminate synthetic dyes from their products by 2027, responding to pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The move comes as part of broader efforts to reduce unnecessary additives in food. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), representing over 40 leading ice cream brands, confirmed the decision to phase out petroleum-based artificial colorings. Studies have linked these dyes to health issues such as ADHD, cancer, and digestive problems, despite providing no nutritional benefits. Kennedy praised the industry's commitment at a press event, calling it a positive step for public health. 'This is a great day for dairy and it's a great day for Make America Healthy Again,' said IDFA President Michael Dykes, referencing Kennedy's MAHA slogan. Turkey Hill CEO Andy Jacobs noted that many manufacturers had already begun removing artificial dyes. 'By taking this step now, ice cream manufacturers are ensuring that ice cream remains a special part of our lives as consumer preferences change,' he said. The US ice cream industry, worth $12 billion annually, sees Americans consuming around 19 pounds per person each year. While some companies like Nestle and PepsiCo have already committed to removing synthetic dyes, others, including Mars and Kellogg's, continue to use them in products like M&M's and Froot Loops. Meanwhile, the FDA under President Biden recently banned Red Dye No. 3, while the Trump administration has fast-tracked approvals for natural alternatives like gardenia blue. Kennedy's voluntary approach has drawn criticism for being too lenient, but industry participation suggests progress. - AFP
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
14 million children did not receive a single vaccine in 2024, UN estimates
LONDON (AP) — More than 14 million children did not receive a single vaccine last year — about the same number as the year before — according to U.N. health officials. Nine countries accounted for more than half of those unprotected children. In their annual estimate of global vaccine coverage, released Tuesday, the World Health Organization and UNICEF said about 89% of children under 1 year old got a first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccine in 2024, the same as in 2023. About 85% completed the three-dose series, up from 84% in 2023. Officials acknowledged, however, that the collapse of international aid this year will make it more difficult to reduce the number of unprotected children. In January, U.S. President Trump withdrew the country from the WHO, froze nearly all humanitarian aid and later moved to close the U.S. AID Agency . And last month, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said it was pulling the billions of dollars the U.S. had previously pledged to the vaccines alliance Gavi, saying the group had 'ignored the science.' Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic , has previously raised questions the diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccine — which has proven to be safe and effective after years of study and real-world use. Vaccines prevent 3.5 million to 5 million deaths a year, according to U.N. estimates. 'Drastic cuts in aid, coupled with misinformation about the safety of vaccines, threaten to unwind decades of progress,' said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. U.N. experts said that access to vaccines remained 'deeply unequal' and that conflict and humanitarian crises quickly unraveled progress; Sudan had the lowest reported coverage against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. The data showed that nine countries accounted for 52% of all children who missed out on immunizations entirely: Nigeria, India, Sudan, Congo, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Yemen, Afghanistan and Angola. WHO and UNICEF said coverage against measles rose slightly, with 76% of children worldwide receiving both vaccine doses. But experts say measles vaccine rates need to reach 95% to prevent outbreaks of the extremely contagious disease. WHO noted that 60 countries reported big measles outbreaks last year. The U.S. is now having its worst measles outbreak in more than three decades, while the disease has also surged across Europe , with 125,000 cases in 2024 — twice as many as the previous year, according to WHO. Last week, British authorities reported a child died of measles in a Liverpool hospital. Health officials said that despite years of efforts to raise awareness, only about 84% of children in the U.K. are protected. 'It is hugely concerning, but not at all surprising, that we are continuing to see outbreaks of measles,' said Helen Bradford, a professor of children's health at University College London. 'The only way to stop measles spreading is with vaccination,' she said in a statement. 'It is never too late to be vaccinated — even as an adult.' ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
US ice cream makers to scoop out synthetic dyes under RFK Jr. push
Major US ice cream makers on Monday announced plans to phase out their use of artificial dyes following pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to eliminate unnecessary additives from the American diet. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), which includes over 40 top ice cream brands, said its members would stop using petroleum-derived synthetic colorings by the end of 2027. These chemicals have been linked in studies to conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and genomic disruption, yet serve no nutritional or functional purpose beyond cosmetic coloring, health advocates have long argued. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Launching 3 & 4 BHK Apartments in Kogilu at 2.25 Cr* Vajram Vivera Read More Undo "I'm particularly happy to be here today because this is relevant to my favorite food, which is ice cream," Kennedy said at a press event, lauding the dairy industry for its actions. "This is a great day for dairy and it's a great day for Make America Healthy Again," added the IDFA's President and CEO Michael Dykes, referencing Kennedy's MAHA slogan that is a play on President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" or MAGA. Live Events Andy Jacobs, CEO of Turkey Hill, said many commercial ice cream manufacturers had already phased out artificial colors or were in the process of doing so. "By taking this step now, ice cream manufacturers are ensuring that ice cream remains a special part of our lives as consumer preferences change and the nation's regulatory priorities evolve," he said. Industry data shows Americans consume roughly 19 pounds (8.6 kg) of ice cream a year. The frozen treat contributes an estimated $12 billion to the economy and supports more than 27,000 dairy industry jobs. In April, Kennedy announced plans to revoke authorization for two synthetic dyes and to "work with industry" to eliminate six more -- an approach critics dismissed as too soft and overly reliant on voluntary action. Peer pressure By contrast, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in one of its final acts under president Joe Biden finalized a rule to actually ban Red Dye No. 3, one of the most widely used and controversial colorings. Yet there are signs that Kennedy's peer pressure strategy is yielding some results. Major food manufacturers including Nestle , Kraft Heinz, General Mills, and PepsiCo have already signed on to ditch artificial dyes. Kennedy on Monday said between "35 and 40 percent" of the food industry has now pledged to make the shift, but it was notable the ice cream makers' pledge pushes past the health secretary's original target of end-2026, giving companies an extra year to adjust their supply chains. And key holdouts remain -- for example Mars, the maker of M&M's and Skittles, and its subsidiary Kellogg's, whose Froot Loops still use Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Yellow 6 in the US, even though the same cereal is artificial dye-free in places like Canada. At the same time, Trump's FDA has fast-tracking natural-dye based alternatives, adding gardenia (genipin) blue to the list on Monday, the fourth such approval in two months.
