U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to release new dietary guidance that could change what Americans eat. The recommendations reportedly encourage more saturated fats, dairy, and meat.
This comes at a time when decades of health research have emphasized the opposite. Nutrition experts and major organizations have long warned against high saturated fat intake. Their advice has focused on plant-based diets, whole grains, and healthy fats.
RFK Jr calls his approach “common sense.” He says Americans should eat good meat, fresh vegetables, and dairy fats. Schools and public programs would be encouraged to follow this guidance. While he still promotes vegetables and less sugar, the emphasis on animal products stands out.
Health professionals are raising alarm. The American Heart Association, for example, has recommended limiting saturated fat for decades. Their 2017 advisory concluded that reducing saturated fat lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. Data show that since these guidelines were introduced in the 1960s, U.S. cardiovascular deaths have fallen sharply.
Plant-based diets, meanwhile, have been associated with lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Critics worry that RFK Jr’s guidance could reverse public health gains. They warn that encouraging more consumption of meat and dairy may lead to increased obesity, cholesterol, and heart problems in the long term.
Inside the Department of Health and Human Services, tension is reportedly high. Over 1,000 staff members urged RFK Jr to resign. They cited concerns about public safety and his history of controversial health claims. Many view the proposed dietary shift as politically motivated rather than evidence-based.
For the vegan and plant-based community, the guidance raises new challenges. Schools and public institutions may see increased pressure to offer meat and dairy. Advocates will need to counter misinformation with clear messaging on healthier, plant-based alternatives.
Public reaction has been swift. Nutrition experts, doctors, and media outlets have criticized the proposals. Social media debates have highlighted the conflict between long-standing science and the new guidance. Americans are now questioning whether the government is prioritizing health or political messaging.
Despite the controversy, the guidance is not yet final. RFK Jr’s office is expected to release official documents later this year. Until then, plant-based advocates are urging the public to stay informed and focus on diets rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
The stakes are high. How Americans respond could shape school meals, public health campaigns, and consumer choices for years. While saturated fats, meat, and dairy may gain temporary approval, decades of research suggest that plants remain the safest and most effective path to health.