Following a full Senate session on Feb. 13, Brooke Rollins and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were confirmed as secretaries of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), respectively. Rollins secured easy approval with a 72-28 vote, while Kennedy narrowly passed with a 52-48 vote, with former Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell being the sole opposing GOP vote.
Upon their appointments, the American Bakers Association (ABA) reiterated its dedication to food safety and consumer trust. The ABA expressed its commitment to collaborating with HHS, USDA, and other regulatory agencies to maintain high standards of food safety and quality.
RFK Jr. faced tough scrutiny during Senate hearings, particularly from Democrats, regarding his views on vaccines, science-based research, and his past legal actions against drug and food companies. Despite the challenges, GOP Senator Bill Cassidy eventually supported Kennedy after discussions post-hearings.
Leslie Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI-The Food Industry Association, emphasized the importance of HHS and FDA in ensuring food and drug safety and affordability. Sarasin welcomed Kennedy’s confirmation and looked forward to working with him to enhance safety and affordability in the industry.
Industry experts expressed concerns about RFK Jr.’s potential impact on the food industry, given his stance on food processing and ingredients. The administration’s “make America healthy again” (MAHA) movement could lead to increased scrutiny and calls for regulatory changes in the food sector.
Various industry associations, including the Consumer Brands Association and the International Dairy Foods Association, extended their support to Kennedy while emphasizing the importance of science-based regulations and public health.
On the other hand, Brooke Rollins received widespread praise for her confirmation as USDA secretary, with industry trade groups applauding her policy expertise and agricultural background. Rollins takes on the role amidst ongoing farm bill negotiations, budget concerns, and the development of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans in collaboration with HHS.
Industry stakeholders, such as the National Association of Wheat Growers and the American Farm Bureau Federation, expressed optimism about working with Rollins to address key challenges facing farmers and rural America. Similarly, the American Soybean Association and the Meat Institute highlighted their priorities and commitment to collaborating with Rollins on various agricultural issues.