Kennedy has also led efforts to phase out artificial dyes in food and medication by 2026.
Melania Trump Lauded as ‘Agent Melania’ After Influencing President’s Shift on Russia
Criticism from Corn Industry
Not everyone is cheering. John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association, pushed back strongly against the move.
“Replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar doesn’t make sense,” said Bode. “It would cost thousands of American food manufacturing jobs, depress farm income, and boost imports of foreign sugar, all with no nutritional benefit.”
While health experts generally recommend limiting added sugars, they have found no substantial difference in the health impacts of cane sugar versus high-fructose corn syrup.
Agricultural Politics at Play
The decision also comes with political undertones. Trump’s home state of Florida is the nation’s largest producer of sugarcane, while high-fructose corn syrup is a key product of Midwestern states with powerful lobbying clout in Washington.
Still, Trump remains optimistic that this shift will promote healthier eating habits and signal a win for U.S. consumers. “It’s just better,” he insisted.
