The Make America Healthy Again Commission, established by President Donald J. Trump, released the "MAHA Report" which evaluates potential contributors to what is perceived as poor health among American children. The report examines four main areas: "ultra-processed foods," "chemicals in our environment," "the crisis of childhood behavior in the digital age," and "overmedicalization of our kids."
The report raises concerns about pesticides like glyphosate, although it is widely considered safe by organizations such as the EPA. This has led to worries within the agricultural industry about possible food supply shortages. Additionally, the report discusses vaccine safety and criticizes vaguely defined "ultra-processed foods."
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Health and Human Services Secretary and chair of the MAHA Commission, previously worked with Morgan & Morgan, a large personal injury firm. This connection has raised concerns about potential litigation stemming from the report's findings. Tiger Joyce, president of the American Tort Reform Association, expressed apprehension regarding how Kennedy might act on these findings due to his ties to trial lawyers.
Kennedy has been involved in litigation related to glyphosate-based weedkiller Roundup and vaccines. To address concerns over his financial interests in litigation, he divested his interests in cases involving vaccine manufacturers by transferring them to his son at Wisner Baum law firm.
The FDA recently held a panel scrutinizing talc, suggesting it may become another focus for MAHA. Tiger Joyce emphasized that health policy decisions should prioritize public safety over trial bar profits.
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