Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. targets FDA food rules and launches cooking show amid vaccine controversy

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. toured rural Virginia, highlighting Medicaid cuts and promoting telehealth and AI for rural health care. During the visit he praised nutrient‑dense agriculture research and warned that federal funding cuts could hurt hospitals that rely on Medicaid.

Kennedy has repeatedly shifted his public stance on vaccines, urging parents to vaccinate children against measles and acknowledging the 97 % efficacy of the MMR vaccine, while also criticizing former NIAID director Dr. Anthony Fauci and framing the COVID‑19 lockdowns as overreaches. In a televised interview he dismissed the anchor’s scientific credentials and reiterated disputed claims about vaccines.

As secretary, Kennedy directed the Food and Drug Administration to eliminate the “self‑affirmed” GRAS provision, a move that could delay product launches for emerging food‑tech startups. He also announced a partnership with the vaccine alliance Gavi to transition to mercury‑free vaccines and end COVID‑19‑related vaccine promotions.

Separately, Kennedy promoted a government‑funded YouTube cooking series, “The Real Food Show,” claiming he has no gag reflex and will eat anything, including street‑vendor fare. The show has drawn criticism for blending health policy messaging with entertainment.

These actions combine policy shifts, public health messaging, and media appearances that have sparked widespread debate about the direction of U.S. health governance.