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In a recent report published by the White House’s “Make America Healthy Again” commission, the Trump administration targeted “Big Food”, Bayer, Facebook, and other companies for their role in contributing to chronic disease in the US. The report highlighted the impact of poor diet, chemicals, and social media on children’s health, pointing to rising rates of autism spectrum disorder as a major concern.
President Donald Trump made it clear that his administration would not be swayed by corporate lobbyists and would take a strong stance on addressing health issues affecting children. The report, which was prompted by an executive order signed by Trump in February, reflected the concerns of health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr regarding pollutants, processed foods, and other factors impacting children’s health.
Companies like Bayer, maker of the weedkiller glyphosate, were singled out in the report for their potential role in contributing to health problems. The report raised questions about the influence of corporate-funded research on scientific studies and highlighted concerns about publication bias in research findings.
Bayer, in particular, has faced legal challenges over glyphosate, with a recent jury trial awarding $2.1 billion to a plaintiff in Georgia. Despite these challenges, the company maintains that glyphosate is safe and has been approved for use in the EU until 2033.
The report also delved into the impact of social media on children’s health, citing Facebook’s internal findings on body image issues and mental health conditions. The report raised concerns about the influence of major technology firms on children’s digital environment and the erosion of parental oversight.
In addition, the report highlighted concerns about “Big Food” companies like Kraft and the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in the market. The report noted that a small number of corporations control a large share of food production, raising questions about the quality and health implications of these products.
As the Trump administration continues to navigate trade wars and diplomatic tensions with other countries, the report acknowledged that some countries have better food and medical standards than the US. For example, France’s dietary guidelines emphasize cooking from scratch and choosing seasonal, local, and organic options, while Japan’s guidelines focus on traditional dietary culture and daily physical activity.
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