Quote from Alex bobby on April 12, 2025, 5:28 AM

RFK Jr’s Health Agenda Meets Mixed Reactions from European Experts

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health under President Donald Trump, has made headlines for his bold health agenda, dubbed Make America Healthy Again (MAHA). From slamming ultra-processed foods to warning about antidepressants and cell phones, Kennedy often draws comparisons between U.S. policies and European standards — claiming the EU leads on health and safety. But a closer look at how European health authorities actually view his priorities reveals a more nuanced picture.

Euronews Health contacted national health agencies across the EU, along with authorities in the UK, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Of the 31 agencies contacted, 13 responded — including those from Belgium, Germany, Sweden, and Finland — offering valuable insight into how Kennedy’s MAHA agenda aligns (or doesn’t) with European thinking.

Ultra-Processed Foods: Common Ground with Caution

Kennedy calls ultra-processed foods “poison,” linking them to America’s rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. He often cites Europe as an example of healthier food systems.

European experts agree on the dangers of excessive salt, sugar, and fat — staples of ultra-processed foods. Germany’s agriculture ministry emphasised that “a healthy and balanced diet can help prevent widespread diseases.” Ireland acknowledged the issue but said it's unclear whether the health risks are due to the processing itself or the added ingredients.

Several countries, including Estonia and the Czech Republic, are actively updating regulations to reduce ultra-processed foods in school meals and everyday diets. However, Sweden and Norway cautioned that not all processed foods are unhealthy — staples like whole-grain bread or fortified cereals play a vital role in balanced diets.

Food Additives: Kennedy Finds Allies in Europe

Kennedy’s campaign against food additives — particularly artificial dyes and added sugars in infant formula — resonates with many in Europe. The EU strictly limits substances like tartrazine (Yellow 5), which must carry warning labels in the UK due to links with hyperactivity in children.

On infant formula, the EU favours lactose — the natural sugar found in breast milk — and largely avoids corn syrup and other sweeteners common in U.S. formulas. These differences reflect contrasting philosophies: while U.S. regulations often presume substances are safe until proven harmful, EU rules apply a more precautionary approach.

Measles and Vaccines: Support for Immunisation, Not Misinformation

Kennedy made headlines for calling the measles vaccine “the most effective way” to prevent infection during a U.S. outbreak. However, he previously praised vitamin A as a treatment and cast doubt on vaccine safety — raising eyebrows among global health officials.

European agencies echoed WHO guidance: vitamin A can help treat measles in patients with a deficiency, but vaccination remains the cornerstone of prevention. Most EU countries say Kennedy’s mixed messaging is not supported by science — especially in regions where vaccine skepticism has allowed preventable diseases to resurface.

Bird Flu: No Room for Kennedy’s “Let It Spread” Strategy

On avian influenza, Kennedy broke with global norms by suggesting that farmers let the virus “run through the flock” to preserve birds with natural immunity. The idea has drawn criticism from virologists — and zero support in Europe.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) firmly rejected the approach, pointing to the high risk of viral mutation and spread to humans. Switzerland and Estonia agreed, calling the idea “unethical” and “impractical.” EU law mandates swift culling of infected animals to stop outbreaks before they can escalate.

Antidepressants and Weight Loss Drugs: Oversight, Not Alarm

Trump has tasked Kennedy with investigating the “threat” of psychiatric and weight loss medications. Kennedy has likened antidepressant withdrawal to heroin addiction — a claim dismissed by most European health authorities.

While no country reported significant concern about these medications’ safety when used correctly, some flagged issues with overuse. Belgium warned of “alarming” long-term use without adequate monitoring, and Luxembourg conducts special surveillance for misuse. Finland and Estonia emphasised that obesity drugs should be a last resort — not a first step.

Still, the European approach remains firmly evidence-based, with most countries backing continued access alongside robust safety checks.

Cell Phones and Mental Health: Shared Concern, Diverging Science

Kennedy supports banning phones in schools, citing mental health concerns and potential cancer risks from electromagnetic radiation. European officials largely agree that excessive phone use contributes to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and poor social development — especially among teens.

The Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Norway all linked phone use to mental health issues, while Denmark said phone-related cancer fears remain unproven. Most agencies pointed to WHO’s classification of mobile radiation as “possibly carcinogenic,” but noted that decades of research have yielded no conclusive evidence.

In short, while European governments are actively addressing screen time and youth mental health, they remain skeptical of Kennedy’s more alarmist messaging.

The Bottom Line: Agreement on Goals, Disagreement on Details

While Kennedy often appeals to Europe to validate his health crusade, the reality is more complex. On some issues — like food additives, ultra-processed foods, and infant nutrition — he finds support for reform. But on topics like vaccines, bird flu, and drug safety, his ideas run counter to evidence-based European policy.

Kennedy may admire Europe’s cautious regulatory approach, but health experts across the continent are equally cautious about adopting Kennedy’s positions wholesale. His MAHA vision overlaps with Europe’s in ambition — but diverges sharply in method.

As he continues shaping U.S. health policy under Trump’s administration, Kennedy’s references to Europe will likely persist. But as these responses show, citing Europe doesn’t always mean Europe agrees.