RFK Jr threatens to withhold tens of millions in funding for hospitals that serve Jell-O and different sugary treats | EUROtoday

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is main a cost to cease hospitals from serving sugary drinks and meals, together with Jell-O.

The Department of Health and Human Services despatched a memo to hospitals on March 30 urging them to align with the Department of Agriculture’s new 2025-2030 dietary tips, which emphasize limiting sugary, ultra-processed meals.

The company needs hospitals to “align their food purchases with the dietary guidelines in order to enjoy continued eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare payments,” Kennedy mentioned at a press convention final month.

“We shouldn’t be giving … people who are sick Jell-O and Cheerios and rubber chicken and sugar drinks,” he added.

Officials have since threatened to withhold tens of millions in essential federal funding from healthcare services for violations, in line with a KFF Health News report revealed through CBS News. But consultants mentioned it’s unclear how this may very well be enforced.

Dietitian and analysis scientist Kevin Klatt informed the outlet: “Most of this is political theater. HHS doesn’t have the power to do much.”

When reached for comment, HHS Spokesperson Andrew Nixon told KFF Health News: “We commend the various hospitals who’ve made commitments to enhance their meals choices, and count on each hospital system to take action.”

KFF Health News revised its report after publication because Nixon said his previous statements, which indicated the new guidance wasn’t a mandate, contained incorrect information.

The Independent has contacted HHS for comment.

Calley Means, one in all Kennedy’s prime advisers, requested members of the general public to report hospitals that serve sugary drinks earlier this month. His social media put up included a hyperlink to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services web site, the place customers can submit complaints about healthcare services.

“If a hospital is serving patients sugary drinks, they are out of compliance with government standards and are putting their reimbursements in jeopardy,” Means wrote on April 1. “If you see patients being served sugary drinks, please post information below or let CMS know.”

When KFF Health News contacted Means, he pointed the outlet to a different X put up he shared on April 17.

“It is very sad that Trump Derangement Syndrome is leading Democrats to defend the medical importance of mass serving soda and junk food to American patients – 94 percent of whom have signs of metabolic dysfunction,” he wrote.