RFK. Jr. pins America's obesity on ultraprocessed food, calls it "poison" | 60 Minutes

Rising Concern Over Ultraprocessed Foods00:01

Increasing number of Americans across the political spectrum, from Make America Healthy Again activists to everyday shoppers, voicing concern about health impact of ultraprocessed foods—boxed and wrapped in plastic, ready-to-eat items lining grocery store shelves. Leading the charge: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former US Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. David Kessler.

Common Ground on GRAS Classification00:30

The two men found common ground over a 67-year-old government classification for substances in food called GRAS (generally recognized as safe). Kennedy and Kessler say it allowed big food companies to use ingredients without full government safety review, flooding market with ultraprocessed foods that make up 50% of calories and 60% of children's diets.

Health Impacts of Ultraprocessed Foods01:00

Over last 40 years, US exposed to energy-dense, highly palatable, rapidly absorbable ultraprocessed foods that altered metabolism, resulting in greatest increase in chronic disease: type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, hypertension, abnormal lipids, fatty liver, heart attacks, stroke, heart failure—from our food.

David Kessler's Background and Comparison to Tobacco01:31

David Kessler was FDA commissioner in 1990s, helped expose tobacco companies manipulating nicotine levels to hook consumers.

I am here to provide you with actual instances of nicotine control and manipulation in the tobacco industry. If you raise your right hand.