A Senate committee voted to advance legislation that would require the FDA to place warning labels on ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat while prohibiting advertisements for such products directed at children. The bill was introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders and passed the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions by a 12-10 vote.
An earlier iteration of the measure died when Sanders first introduced it in 2024, but the political landscape has shifted following President Trump’s appointment of MAHA leader Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. This development has prompted Republican support for food industry regulation, a policy area traditionally championed by Democrats. Nutrition experts noted that the warning label approach mirrors successful models used in Latin America and would represent a significant departure from the FDA’s 2025 proposal, which uses a less intuitive low, middle, or high designation system. Experts also highlighted that the specific warning labels for sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods would be novel globally if implemented.
During the committee’s proceedings, Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, the Republican committee chair, expressed support for the bill as a starting point for bipartisan food regulation reform. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas similarly backed the measure despite his general opposition to regulatory expansion. However, not all Republicans aligned with the proposal—Senator Susan Collins of Maine raised concerns that stronger labeling requirements could increase food costs for consumers. The food industry likewise warned that the bill could unfairly target nutritious products and raise costs during an affordability crisis.
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky introduced an amendment to restrict soda and candy from food stamp eligibility, which gained support from some Democrats but faced mixed Republican reactions. While the amendment ultimately did not advance, observers suggested it could potentially move forward as a separate legislative initiative with stronger chances of passage. The bill’s path through the full Senate remains uncertain due to the continued political influence of the food industry.
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