Overview
- HHS told hospitals to align patient meals with the USDA’s 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines that call for less added sugar and fewer ultra-processed foods.
- At a press event, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized serving Jell-O and sugary drinks to patients and linked menu alignment to continued Medicare and Medicaid eligibility.
- KFF Health News, published by CBS, reported that officials threatened to withhold millions in federal funds from facilities they deem out of step with the effort.
- HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the guidance adds no new mandates or penalties and does not change enforcement, survey, or accreditation processes.
- Kennedy adviser Calley Means asked the public online to report hospitals serving sugary drinks, and HHS said his complaint link does not reflect agency policy.