U.S. Health and Human Services Updates
1. MAHA Documents Leaked
Draft documents leaked in advance of the second MAHA report last week outlined strategies to address the four main drivers of childhood illness identified in the first report published in May. The first report included exposure to environmental chemicals, including pesticides, among the contributors to rising childhood illnesses, along with ultra-processed foods, pervasive technology use, and increased use of medications. However, the leaked strategy documents did not include any mandates related to the use of pesticides. More than 250 groups representing farmers, ranchers and agrochemical companies had several meetings with the White House to discuss potential Commission recommendations. The draft documents said the Environmental Protection Agency will explore and evaluate the risks of combined exposure to pesticides and will work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to research agricultural technologies that may decrease the volume of pesticide used. Further information will be available once the official report is released.
🔗 Read the draft: Draft MAHA strategy document
🔗 Read more from Politico: Kennedy Might Not Get His Way on Pesticides
🔗 Read more from Reuters: Draft ‘MAHA’ commission report avoids pesticide crackdown feared by farm groups
🔗 Read more about the first MAHA report from KHI: Unpacking the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Initiative