Ex-FDA Chief David Kessler Warns: Ultraprocessed Foods Exceed Human Biology Limits
Concerns about ultraprocessed foods are rising among Americans from all walks of life. Notable figures like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former FDA Commissioner Dr. David Kessler have united in their opposition to these products, despite differing views on other health issues. Their focus is primarily on the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) classification, which they argue permits food companies to bypass thorough safety reviews.
Ultraprocessed Foods: A Growing Health Crisis
Currently, ultraprocessed foods constitute 50% of daily caloric intake for Americans, with an alarming 60% of children consuming these products. Kessler warns that for the last 40 years, the U.S. population has been subjected to foods that fundamentally alter metabolism, leading to a surge in chronic diseases.
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Fatty liver disease
The GRAS Controversy
Kennedy highlights that approximately 70% of Americans are either overweight or obese, attributing this to the consumption of nutritionally poor, calorie-dense foods. He points out the GRAS exemption, which allows companies to declare ingredients safe without government oversight, has contributed significantly to the problem. The GRAS system dates back to 1958, allowing for a vast array of ingredients, with estimates between 4,000 and 10,000 currently unregulated.
Kessler urges for a reevaluation of these ingredients, especially concerning refined carbohydrates and sweeteners. He emphasizes that many ultraprocessed foods contain additives that can have rapid negative impacts on health.
Public Health Awareness
The urgency of this issue has drawn parallels to tobacco-related health crises. Kessler asserts that the health impacts of ultraprocessed foods might be just as significant, affecting nearly everyone regardless of dietary preference. He believes it’s time to hold the food industry accountable in the same way tobacco companies were scrutinized.
Recent Actions
In December 2022, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu initiated a lawsuit against several ultraprocessed food manufacturers. The lawsuit accuses these companies of marketing addictive products while concealing associated health risks—a move reminiscent of past actions against tobacco companies.
In response to the ongoing debate, the Consumer Brands Association maintains that food companies comply with FDA regulations to ensure safe, affordable products. However, critics like food author Michael Pollan point to federal subsidies that may encourage unhealthy food production instead of focusing on healthier options.
Looking Forward
Kennedy expresses a commitment to empowering consumers with information about food safety, aiming to improve public understanding of what they are eating. He also emphasizes the need to make healthier foods more accessible and affordable for all Americans.
Both Kennedy and Kessler agree on the necessity of changing public perception regarding ultraprocessed foods. They call for a collective effort to prioritize health and wellness by redefining how food safety and nutrition are viewed in the United States.
The conversation surrounding ultraprocessed foods continues to grow, with significant implications for public health policy and consumer choices in the years to come.
