New polling released on Monday shows Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s agenda, notably tackling the mass intake of ultra-processed foods, receives broad support across party lines.
The survey, conducted by NBC News, found that 35% of respondents believe that the food industry was to blame for America’s chronic health issues, according to NBC News polling. The poll found 32% suggested the choices of individuals were the cause. Other factors named included socioeconomic status, health insurance companies, environmental toxins, vaccinations and genetics.
The poll found that young adults, who tended to be liberal, were more likely to blame ultra-processed foods for the national health crisis. Older voters, on the other hand, blamed individual health choices.
Kennedy has also been outspoken against vaccines and their efficacy. The poll found that 49% of respondents strongly support using vaccines to prevent disease, while only 7% strongly disagree with using vaccines.
Public sentiment on Kennedy remains split along party lines, with his favorability rating currently at 51% and 48% of voters viewing him unfavorably. The majority of voters who see the HHS secretary favorably are Republicans, with most Democrats viewing Kennedy very unfavorably.
The “MAHA” report, published by the HHS in May, named ultra-processed as one of the leading causes of declining childhood health. The report details the federal lobbying efforts of the chemical-manufacturing industry, noting that they spent approximately $77 million in 2024.
“The American diet has shifted dramatically toward ultra-processed foods (UPFs), leading to nutrient depletion, increased caloric intakes, and exposure to harmful additives,” the report said. “Nearly 70% of children calories now come from UPFs, contributing to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.”
The HHS found that American teenagers average nine hours on screen time per day, with over 70% of children failing to exercise for 60 minutes a day. Kennedy also pointed to “increasing rates of pharmaceutical drug prescriptions” as a contributing factor to the health crisis.
The poll comes as Kennedy overhauled the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in one “clean sweep” earlier this month, firing all 17 members.
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