Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a nationwide initiative Tuesday urging hospitals to eliminate ultra-processed foods from their menus, expanding President Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda by promoting better nutrition as a key component of patient care.

The new Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge asks hospitals to voluntarily replace heavily processed meals with more nutritious options that follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Administration officials say the effort is intended to improve patient recovery and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses through healthier eating.

“Patients recovering from serious medical conditions deserve better than ultra-processed and deep-fried junk foods,” Kennedy said in a statement. “President Trump has directed HHS to put real food at the center of American health.

“Today, we’re challenging hospitals across the country to lead by example by serving nutritious, minimally processed meals that help patients heal, reduce chronic disease, and help Make America Healthy Again.”

Under the voluntary pledge, hospitals are encouraged to reduce offerings of ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages, and processed meats while increasing the availability of whole grains, minimally processed proteins, and meals prepared using healthier methods such as baking, broiling, roasting, grilling, and stir-frying instead of deep frying.

The announcement represents the latest phase of Kennedy’s broader effort to reshape federal nutrition policy since assuming leadership of HHS. The department said improving the quality of hospital food can aid recovery while reinforcing the importance of nutrition in preventing disease.

As part of the campaign, HHS introduced a new nutrition-focused webpage that will serve as the central resource for Kennedy’s food and nutrition initiatives. The site includes the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, educational materials aimed at expanding nutrition training in medical schools, information about the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, and details on the department’s upcoming program, “The Real Food Show.”

The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said hospitals should recognize nutrition as a fundamental element of quality medical care.

“When it comes to managing chronic disease, reducing co-morbidities like obesity, and shortening recovery times, a healthy diet can make all the difference,” Oz said in a statement. “I’m grateful to President Trump for his leadership in putting nutrition and prevention at the center of America’s health agenda.”

Oz added that hospitals should “nourish patients with the same commitment they bring to every other aspect of care.”

“That’s why we’re challenging hospitals to limit ultra-processed foods, feature nutritious meals that promote healing, and lead the way in delivering prevention-first, whole-person care,” he said.

The new campaign also builds on guidance issued by Oz in March reminding hospitals that Medicare regulations require facilities to meet the individual nutritional needs of every patient. CMS said hospital meals should be consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

{Matzav.com}