Health Report Scales Back on Pesticide, Food Reforms
The Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative is preparing to release its latest recommendations on improving the health of American children, but a leaked draft indicates the proposals stop short of aggressive reforms on pesticides and ultraprocessed foods.
The draft report, dated August 6, comes from the MAHA Commission, chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. It follows the commission’s first report in May, which highlighted factors it considered responsible for the rise in chronic illness among children.
While Kennedy has long criticized excessive exposure to pesticides and the role of ultraprocessed foods in declining public health, the draft does not recommend outright bans or targeted restrictions on controversial chemicals such as glyphosate. Instead, it outlines plans for the Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to encourage research and precision technology that could help farmers reduce pesticide usage. It also pledges greater public transparency around the EPA’s review process.
Pushback From Advocates
The tempered proposals have drawn criticism from MAHA supporters who expected stronger actions. Last week, more than 350 advocates — including former Kennedy campaign supporters and members of his nonprofit, Children’s Health Defense — signed a letter urging President Trump to oppose congressional efforts to shield pesticide and chemical manufacturers from liability lawsuits.
David Murphy, founder of the coalition United We Eat, argued that companies should be held accountable for the harm caused by their products. “Farmers should have the right to grow responsibly, but corporations whose chemicals cause cancer and liver disease must answer in court,” he said.
Agricultural groups, however, have consistently pushed back against restrictions, dismissing links between pesticides and chronic illnesses as unproven. Their lobbying prompted Kennedy and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to reassure farmers that the administration remains committed to food security and agricultural productivity.
Defining and Addressing Processed Foods
On the issue of ultraprocessed foods, the draft suggests public education campaigns to promote whole foods but avoids calling for direct regulation. The government will also release updated dietary guidelines later this year, accompanied by an educational outreach effort.
A joint project by the health and agriculture departments aims to formally define “ultraprocessed foods” — a step advocates say is essential for monitoring their health impacts. However, the draft does not recommend restrictions on existing products, leaving critics disappointed.
Nutrition experts argue the commission has backtracked from its earlier stance. Dr. Jim Krieger of Healthy Food America noted that the first MAHA report emphasized ultraprocessed foods as a major driver of childhood disease. “Now the only commitment is to define the term. What about stricter labeling? What about removing these products from schools?” he asked.
New Research and Policy Priorities
Despite the controversy, the draft report does propose several new initiatives. It outlines an education campaign to promote fertility and maternal health, and a research program to investigate the root causes of infertility, maternal complications, and infant health outcomes.
HHS will convene a working group to examine the widespread prescription of behavioral medications for children, including antidepressants and stimulants. This cross-agency group will include the FDA, NIH, and other health agencies.
In line with Kennedy’s long-standing views, the report also signals a review of the childhood vaccine schedule and plans to reform the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Additionally, it mentions efforts by NIH and the White House Office of Science and Technology to develop AI-powered tools to accelerate pediatric cancer research.
Balancing Politics and Public Health
The draft reflects a careful balance between public health priorities and political realities. Supporters of stronger reforms see it as a missed opportunity, while farming and food industry groups are likely to view the recommendations as a relief. Whether the administration modifies the report before its release remains to be seen, but it is already clear that expectations for sweeping reforms have been tempered.
