FDA and NIH (National Institutes of Health) Launch Joint Initiative to Combat Diet-Linked Chronic Diseases

The FDA and NIH have unveiled a new Nutrition Regulatory Science Programme to address the escalating crisis of diet-related chronic diseases, aligning with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vision to “Make America Healthy Again.” This collaborative effort will explore the health impacts of ultra-processed foods, food additives, and early-life nutrition, aiming to guide evidence-based food policy.

The program will integrate the FDA’s regulatory science with NIH’s research infrastructure, supporting independent studies into how diet influences long-term health outcomes like autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary emphasized the urgency of focusing on chronic diseases, while NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya noted the importance of turning nutrition science into smarter policy.

Bringing together experts from multiple disciplines, the program is modeled after the successful Tobacco Regulatory Science Programme, with a strong commitment to transparency and scientific integrity.

12-05-2025