Tradeoffs RFK Jr. Wants to Change What Americans Eat. He's Not The First
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Feb 6, 2025 Laura Schmidt, a renowned professor at UC San Francisco focusing on chronic disease prevention, discusses the potential impact of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. The conversation delves into the complexities of implementing effective food policies in the U.S., highlighting successful soda tax initiatives in Berkeley and the challenges from lobbying forces. They also explore the need for updated national dietary guidelines and the potential reforms in American nutrition amidst political hurdles. Schmidt emphasizes the importance of transparency in shaping a healthier food landscape.
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A Lack of Regulation
- Laura Schmidt, initially focused on addiction in low-income areas, had a realization.
- She noticed a lack of regulation for ultra-processed foods compared to tobacco and alcohol.
Engineered Addiction
- Ultra-processed foods, comprising 73% of the US food supply, are engineered to be addictive.
- Research reveals industry documents and clinical studies supporting this claim.
Berkeley's Soda Tax Success
- Berkeley's 2014 soda tax aimed to reduce consumption and fund schools.
- It successfully lowered soda sales and increased healthier choices, exceeding expectations.