Federal Health Initiative Faces Scrutiny Over Potential Conflicts of Interest

In a bold move to curb the rising health concerns associated with ultra-processed foods, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is set to launch a public service campaign aimed at educating Americans about the health risks linked with such diets. The initiative, part of Kennedy's broader "Make America Healthy Again" (Maha) campaign, is expected to cost between $10 million to $20 million and will utilize various platforms, including social media, billboards, and text messaging, to reach a wide audience.

Kennedy, who has been vocal about his concerns regarding the American food supply, stated during his confirmation hearing, "We need to fix our food supply. And that’s the number one thing." His focus on ultra-processed foods is intended to combat chronic health issues, particularly diabetes, which he attributes to a flawed food system. However, the campaign has sparked controversy, particularly concerning the potential financial benefits for key advisers involved in its formation.

One of the central figures in this initiative is Calley Means, a senior adviser to Kennedy, who has been appointed as a special government employee focused on food policy. Means founded a company that helps individuals obtain wearable technology for health monitoring, which could see increased demand if the campaign succeeds in promoting healthier eating habits. Notably, his sister, Casey Means, operates a healthcare startup that sells continuous glucose monitors, a product aligned with the campaign's objectives. This connection has raised ethical concerns, leading to an ethics complaint due to potential conflicts of interest.

Public advocates, including the non-profit group Public Citizen, have warned against the implications of such hiring practices. They argue that the dual roles of Means could lead to a situation where personal business interests may unduly influence public health policy. "When government employees have financial stakes in the outcomes of their policies, it raises serious ethical questions about their decisions," said Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen, in a statement on June 15, 2025.

While the campaign is designed to encourage personal responsibility regarding dietary choices, experts in nutrition have expressed skepticism about its focus. Walter Willett, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, cautioned against the broad categorization of ultra-processed foods. "Some ultra-processed foods, like fortified breakfast cereals, can be beneficial. The issue is the lack of specificity in identifying which foods are harmful," Willett noted in an interview conducted on June 18, 2025. He emphasized that effective public health campaigns require careful definitions and targeted messaging, which are currently lacking in the Maha campaign proposal.

The initiative is a significant reflection of the Trump administration's unconventional approach to health policy and hiring practices. It underscores a growing concern among public health professionals about the effectiveness and integrity of health campaigns when intertwined with personal business interests. As the deadline for proposals approaches on June 26, the implications of the campaign and its potential for success remain uncertain.

The controversy surrounding the Maha campaign serves as a critical case study in the intersection of health policy, corporate interests, and ethical governance. As the initiative unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the outcomes and assess whether it can genuinely inspire positive change in American dietary habits or if it will merely serve as a vehicle for private gain.