In a significant shift for American public health policy, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced that new national dietary guidelines will be published next month.
A New Direction for American Nutrition
The forthcoming guidelines, set for release in December 2025, will mark a dramatic departure from long-standing advice. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed the updated recommendations will effectively end what he termed the 'war on saturated fats'.
This represents a fundamental challenge to current federal guidance, which advises that saturated fat should constitute less than 10 per cent of a person's daily calorie intake. This existing limit is further reinforced by the American Heart Association, which suggests an even lower consumption level due to established links to heart disease.
Personal Beliefs and Broader Policy Goals
The Secretary's announcement aligns closely with his personal dietary choices. Kennedy publicly adheres to a carnivore diet, which is composed primarily of meat, fish, eggs, and full-fat dairy products.
Beyond the focus on macronutrients, Kennedy is also championing a separate but related public health initiative. He is advocating for the elimination of petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the food supply by the end of 2026. He has described these additives as 'poisonous compounds' that pose a particular threat to children's health.
Implications of the Forthcoming Changes
The new dietary guidelines, scheduled for release next month, are poised to reshape nutritional advice for millions of Americans. The emphasis on protein and the rehabilitation of saturated fats will likely generate significant debate among nutritionists, healthcare professionals, and the food industry.
This policy shift, driven directly by the Health Secretary, signals a profound change in the official US government stance on fat consumption and food safety, with potential global repercussions.
