RFK Jr has been criticized for the safety of Dunkin’, Starbucks, high-sugar drinks
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discusses efforts to eliminate petroleum-based artificial dyes from the nation’s diet on ‘Jesse Watters Primetime.’
Secretary of Health, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked widespread controversy online after questioning whether high-sugar coffee drinks sold at Dunkin’ and Starbucks were safe — and the governor of Massachusetts was among the pushback.
Kennedy said during an “Eat Real Food” rally in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 26, “We’re going to ask Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, ‘Show us the safety data that shows it’s OK for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar in it.’
“I don’t think they will be able to do it,” he added.
These words quickly brought a response in Massachusetts, where Dunkin’ was founded and is considered a cultural foundation.
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Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised concerns about sugary drinks during a rally in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 26, 2026. (Jason Mendez/Getty Images; Stock / Getty Images)
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey took to X on Wednesday to defend the historic New England drink, posting a photo of a flag bearing the slogan, “Come and get it.”
While some users on X criticized Healey, saying he should promote healthy food standards, others supported the governor amid concerns that executives could target their favorite drinks.
“Maybe this government needs to remember that we drink A LOT in New England,” one user wrote, alongside a photo of the 1773 Boston Tea Party.
Others replace the slogan “Don’t Tread on Me” with “Trash Tread on Me.”
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. he refers to Dunkin’ while discussing the scrutiny of sugary drinks. (Photos by Paul Weaver/SOPA/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment on whether the administration plans to enforce its demands and restrict drinks at Dunkin’ or other coffee chains.
Dunkin’ and Starbucks did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
MAHA Action, a non-profit organization dedicated to the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, in a statement after the event where Kennedy announced the replacement of the “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) food ingredient approval system, a long-standing regulatory channel that allows companies to self-certify certain ingredients as safe.
“Companies including Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks will be required to produce the safety data they should have kept. These changes aim to ensure that American food follows the highest safety and food standards around the world,” the group said.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested that companies like Dunkin’ and Starbucks may need to demonstrate the safety of certain high-sugar drinks under stricter federal scrutiny. (Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Kennedy began pushing to reform the GRAS program immediately after his nomination and confirmation, according to the Boston Globe, which noted that the category was created so companies would not have to apply for approval to use generic ingredients.
However, over time, the program has expanded to include thousands of new ingredients, including those used in highly processed foods, the newspaper reported.
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The renewed focus on sugary drinks comes as Kennedy began a major effort to fix the nation’s food supply.
