The CEO of Twinkies maker J.M. Smucker has issued a response to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, as Kennedy’s health-focused policies threaten to shake up the food industry.
Kennedy has made it clear that one of his top priorities is combating chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes by targeting ultra-processed foods. As part of his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, Kennedy has expressed interest in restricting artificial food additives like Yellow 5, Red 40, and high-fructose corn syrup—key ingredients in many processed snacks, including Twinkies.
Mark Smucker, CEO of J.M. Smucker, struck a defiant tone in response to Kennedy’s potential agenda. “We believe very strongly that snacking continues,” Smucker said. “Consumers are going to continue to look for a way to reward themselves at different times throughout the day.”
While expressing confidence in the enduring demand for products like Twinkies, Smucker acknowledged that changes might be on the horizon. Addressing concerns over weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and their impact on consumer behavior, Smucker noted, “We could look at reducing sugar. There’s a whole variety of innovations that we will bring to bear.”
Kennedy, who is awaiting Senate confirmation, has proposed policies that could include limiting additives and potentially restricting access to certain processed foods through government programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Critics have pointed to the irony of junk foods like Twinkies being eligible for federal assistance, with one X user remarking, “Twinkies being SNAP eligible tells us everything we need to know about subsidies, welfare, and giveaways by the government.”
Twinkies being SNAP eligible tells us everything we need to know about subsidies, welfare and giveaways by the government. Who benefits in the Twinkie SNAP eligibility situation?
1. The child consumer in regards to getting necessary nutrition? NO.
2. The company that makes… https://t.co/sdJWJVLaYR— JB (@SimmonsBart) December 1, 2024
Major food companies, including PepsiCo, General Mills, and Kellogg, have already felt the ripple effects of Kennedy’s nomination, with stock prices dipping amid fears of regulatory crackdowns. Analysts suggest that Kennedy’s hardline stance on artificial additives and pesticides represents a significant shift from previous administrations, sparking uncertainty across the processed food sector.
Kennedy has defended his approach, arguing that many processed foods are loaded with “chemical poisons” harmful to public health. While his specific policies remain unclear, food industry giants are bracing for potential changes that could challenge their traditional business models.
As the debate over public health and food policy intensifies, Kennedy’s confirmation could mark a turning point in America’s relationship with ultra-processed snacks—and companies like J.M. Smucker are paying close attention.
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