SouthernWorldwide.com – Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has initiated a challenge against two prominent coffee chains, Dunkin’ and Starbucks, as part of his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign.
Kennedy has publicly urged these companies to provide evidence demonstrating the safety of their high-sugar beverages, particularly for teenagers. He also hinted at potential actions by the Trump administration that could impact the availability of these drinks.
“We’re going to ask Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks, show us the safety data that show that it’s OK for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar in it. I don’t think they’re gonna be able to do it,” Kennedy stated recently.
In response, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, whose state is home to Dunkin’, posted a defiant message on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Accompanying the post was an image of a Dunkin’ cup, with the caption “COME AND TAKE IT.”
Current federal dietary guidelines, released earlier this year, recommend that meals contain no more than 10 grams of added sugar. However, according to Dunkin’ itself, nearly every beverage on their menu surpasses this limit, with at least six drinks containing over 100 grams of sugar.
“This isn’t about any one brand. Ultra-processed foods and beverages are bad for you, regardless of who happens to sell them,” commented Dr. Céline Gounder, a CBS News contributor. “Your go-to beverage really shouldn’t be liquid candy.”
Research indicates that taxes on sugary drinks and prominent warning labels can lead to reduced consumption. Dr. Gounder suggested that an outright ban is improbable.
“It’s going to require either new legislation and regulation, or state and local governments stepping in where they can,” she explained. “The FDA is not the sugar police and it can’t ban sugar from beverages.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked frequent consumption of sugary drinks to several adverse health outcomes. These include weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, non-alcoholic liver disease, and dental issues like tooth decay and cavities.
The Department of Health and Human Services has indicated that it has enhanced its review processes and addressed existing loopholes. However, they have not specified what actions Kennedy might pursue to curb the sale of high-sugar beverages by businesses.
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Neither Dunkin’ nor Starbucks have issued official responses to Kennedy’s remarks. Notably, on Thursday, Dunkin’ announced the launch of a new zero-sugar energy drink, available in six different flavors.
