RFK Jr.'s MAHA movement has picked up steam in statehouses. Here's what to expect in 2026.
January 12, 2026 / 5:00 AM EST / KFF Health News
TL;DR
- West Virginia became the first state to ban seven synthetic food dyes from all food products.
- Numerous states are introducing or have enacted legislation targeting food dyes, including warning labels or bans in schools.
- A national "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, promoted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is influencing state-level health policies, particularly from Republicans.
- The Rural Health Transformation Program incentivizes states to adopt MAHA policies.
- Federal and state officials are exploring health policy changes like rolling back routine vaccinations and expanding the use of drugs like ivermectin.
- Major food companies like Nestle, Hershey, and PepsiCo have committed to eliminating some artificial color additives.
- State laws are a significant motivator for companies to remove dyes, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
- California's 2023 law banning four food additives has served as a model for other states.
- Some states are restricting SNAP benefits to prevent the purchase of candy or sugary drinks.
- California has enacted a law to phase out ultra-processed foods from schools.
- A lawsuit has been filed against major food companies in San Francisco for selling "harmful and addictive" products.
- There are differing views on which foods to target within the nutrition concerns, with Republicans and Democrats clashing on issues like raw milk and saturated fat.
- Blue states are establishing their own public health standards in response to federal actions on vaccine access.
- Red states are considering eliminating vaccine mandates for employees.
- Environmental Protection Agency actions have led to calls for the removal of its administrator by MAHA activists.
- State lawmakers are expected to continue addressing MAHA proposals due to perceived loss of faith in federal institutions like the FDA and CDC.