The Tamesis
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is challenging two major coffee chains, Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, as part of his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
Kennedy recently called on the two companies to prove their high-sugar drinks are safe for teens and suggested the Trump administration could limit the amount of coffee you drink in the morning.
“We’re going to ask Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks to show us safety data that shows teenage girls can drink iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar. I don’t think they can,” Kennedy said late last month.
Maura Healey, the governor of Massachusetts, where Dunkin’ is based, responded to Kennedy on
Federal dietary guidelines released earlier this year recommend no more than 10 grams of added sugar in meals, but nearly every drink on the Dunkin’ menu exceeds that amount, and at least six drinks contain more than 100 grams of added sugar, according to the coffee chain.
“This has nothing to do with any one brand. Ultra-processed foods and drinks are bad for you, no matter who sells them,” said CBS News contributor Dr. Céline Gounder. “Your go-to drink really shouldn’t be liquid candy.”
Research shows taxes and photo warnings on sugary drinks reduce consumption. Dr Gunder said a direct ban was unlikely.
“This will require new legislation and regulation, or state and local government involvement where possible,” she said. “The FDA is not the sugar police and it cannot ban added sugar in beverages.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular consumption of sugary drinks is linked to “weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, non-alcoholic liver disease, cavities and cavities.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it has stepped up reviews and closed loopholes, but did not specify what actions Kennedy might take to stop companies from selling high-sugar drinks.
Dunkin’ and Starbucks have yet to respond to Kennedy’s comments. On Thursday, Dunkin’ announced the launch of six flavors of its zero-sugar energy drink.
