US pushes hospital food overhaul with focus on real food

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pushing for changes to hospital menus to align them with his revamped food pyramid, as part of the Make America Healthy Again agenda, according to Bloomberg.

Through a memo sent to hospitals, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommended reducing ultra-processed foods and shifting toward diets with more whole grains, eliminating sugary drinks, and limiting added sugar to less than 10 grams per meal.

“The food is bland, it’s poorly prepared, and it lacks the nutrients needed for a full recovery,” said CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz during an event in Florida.

Suggested changes include replacing cereals with oatmeal and berries, flavored yogurts with plain options, and processed meats with freshly prepared lean protein. Lower-sugar alternatives are also recommended for patients recovering from surgery.

The new dietary guidelines, updated every five years, also serve as a reference for federal food purchasing programs, including meals for the military, school systems, and prison populations.

While the government does not directly purchase hospital food, federal health programs are a key source of funding, giving authorities leverage to influence food standards across the system.