CHICAGO, December 1, 2025 — IFMA The Food Away from Home Association launched a new benefit for members: A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. The report is compiled and written by Dr. Joy Dubost, a renowned food scientist and registered dietitian with strong knowledge of what’s happening on the regulatory front.


FEDERAL UPDATES

Whole Milk

On November 20th, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act allowing schools to have the option of serving whole milk or 2% milk. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan) supported the measure, which aims to offer students more nutritious options and benefit dairy farmers. Schools must comply with federal Dietary Guidelines, which traditionally favor low-fat milk although the pending 2025 Dietary Guidelines will be recommending whole fat dairy based on comments made by HHS Secretary Kennedy. The bill is now moving to the House for consideration.

Food Allergies

The US Senate has added the Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act as an amendment to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which requires schools to train their food service staff on how to prevent and respond to allergic reactions. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), who introduced the bill with Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), stated that foods like peanuts, eggs, soy, and milk can be healthy but pose serious risks to children with allergies. The School Nutrition Association (SNA) and other groups have voiced their support for this new law.

HHS

HHS has appointed five new leaders to advance the MAHA goals, with four confirmed by the Senate.

Brian Christine, MD, Assistant Secretary for Health
Dr. Christine, an expert in men's health and a global leader, was confirmed on October 7, 2025. He prioritizes transparency, public trust, and patient-centered policies.

Alex J. Adams, PharmD, MPH, Assistant Secretary for Family Support, Administration for Children and Families
Mr. Adams brings extensive experience from Idaho's government, specializing in health, human services, and regulatory leadership.

Gustav Chiarello, Assistant Secretary Financial Resources
Previously Senior Special Counsel for the House Judiciary Committee, Mr. Chiarello has served at the FTC and advised its chairman.

Michael Stuart, General Counsel
A past U.S. Attorney, Mr. Stuart led federal enforcement in West Virginia and contributed to major law enforcement initiatives nationwide.

Alicia Jackson, Ph.D., Director, Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health
Dr. Jackson previously founded Evernow, worked at DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office, and led projects in biodefense and medicine development.


CDC

New Appointment

The Trump administration appointed former Louisiana health official Ralph Abraham as the CDC's new principal deputy director. This fills a key leadership role after several recent departures, including the firing of Susan Monarez in August. Abraham, who also served as a congressman and practiced medicine, now becomes the agency's most senior medical professional under acting director Jim O'Neill. Earlier this year, he announced his state would stop promoting mass vaccination which is line with Secretary Kennedy’s beliefs. His appointment is not subject to Senate confirmation. Trump has not nominated a permanent replacement for the CDC director job, which requires Senate confirmation.

Rehires

HHS has reinstated all employees laid off during the government shutdown, according to a court filing. HHS notified the 954 affected staff by email that their reduction in force notices was cancelled, and they should return to work on their next scheduled day. The layoffs were concentrated in the CDC but did impact other areas within HHS. Over the past nine months, staff members have reported significant organizational changes under the Trump administration, including multiple rounds of dismissals and rehiring’s, the departure of the director, and adjustments to the CDC vaccine advisory panel by Kennedy.


USDA

Nutrition Support

Secretary Rollins announced that the USDA plans to buy up to $30 million worth of fresh fruit from American farmers to supply food banks and nutrition programs nationwide. The purchase, authorized under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, will help both producers and communities in need. Per the administration, this initiative will strengthen American agriculture, rural areas, and support people needing nutrition assistance.

SNAP

The Trump administration’s recent efforts to address alleged fraud in SNAP are influencing discussions in Congress. Unlike most credit cards, SNAP benefits are distributed through magnetic strip cards, making users vulnerable to “skimming” theft. This method has impacted thousands and cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) support legislative action and hearings on SNAP fraud. USDA inspector general nominee John Walk recently advocated for modernizing EBT card technology, noting that it lags behind other payment systems. Few states plan to update benefits cards with chips; only California has done so. Although no SNAP fraud hearing is scheduled, Boozman said Walk's confirmation will help address the issue.

The Trump administration plans to tighten SNAP rules, imposing work requirements and potentially causing millions to lose benefits. A proposed policy would allow denial of permanent residency to immigrants who use programs like Medicaid or SNAP, aiming to promote "self-sufficiency." Advocates worry this could deter eligible people from seeking help. Another proposal may address the benefits cliff by eliminating broad based categorical eligibility (BBCE), which allows states the flexibility in SNAP limits; critics call BBCE a loophole, while supporters say it fosters savings and career growth. Public comments on these proposals are forthcoming, with decisions expected by December. 

 

MAHA

RFK Jr. for President? 

Supporters of HHS Kennedy are in the process of relaunching the We The People Party, which he established last year, as they begin preparations to develop the party's infrastructure and pursue ballot access nationwide should RFK Jr. consider a 2028 presidential run, per Politico. According to Party Chair Levi Leatherberry, there has been no direct communication with RFK Jr. since his assumption of leadership. Although in other reports RFK Jr. has denied any interest in running for President. Leatherberry expressed the goal of ensuring the party appears on ballots throughout the country, while noting that the organization may serve to provide leverage for Kennedy or a similarly aligned candidate, even if it does not achieve national ballot status.

 

 

Stay informed with our new page tracking key federal and state policies impacting food-away-from-home. Get timely updates on issues like ultra-processed food definitions and submit feedback to ensure our industry’s voice is heard.

Regulatory & Legislative Developments