WASHINGTON — A new report from the White House’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission warns that ultra-processed grains, sugars, and fats are major contributors to rising chronic disease among U.S. children. The report follows a February executive order by President Donald Trump and aims to shape a national health strategy within 180 days.
Led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the commission found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) now make up over two-thirds of children’s daily calories, driving rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases. Products like cookies, cakes, snacks, and refined breads were cited for displacing nutrient-rich whole foods and harming gut health and satiety regulation.
“These engineered components… now account for over two-thirds of all calories consumed by American children,” the report states.
However, the report has drawn criticism for ignoring the benefits of enriched and fortified grains. Experts from the Grain Foods Foundation noted that such grains are critical sources of key micronutrients and help reduce deficiencies in the U.S. diet.
“It’s a missed opportunity,” said GFF Executive Director Erin Ball.
Industry leaders also objected to the lack of distinction between staple grain foods (like bread and pasta) and indulgent ones (like desserts), warning that the report could damage consumer trust in processed food brands.
The report’s credibility has also been questioned due to broken citations and disputed sources, leading to concerns that AI may have been used in its compilation.
Despite this, food industry groups say the report opens the door for productive dialogue with policymakers. Still, many experts urge a more precise definition of “ultra-processed foods” before enacting broad policy changes.
“The science in this area is not yet mature,” Ball said. “We need clearer terms and a better understanding of what UPFs truly are.”
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