Most Americans agree with Robert F Kennedy Jr that US food is loaded with too many chemicals, though they are still 'very comfortable' with vaccines, a DailyMail.com poll suggests.
The survey asked more than 1,000 adults about their views on ultra-processed foods and vaccine mandates, which have come into focus after the nomination of RFK Jr to head the Health and Human Services (HHS).
Two-thirds of respondents said they agreed that US food has too many oils, fats, and other additives, which could be fueling the country's obesity crisis. Four in 10 Americans said they 'strongly agree,' meanwhile just one in 15 respondents disagreed with this sentiment.
Those who identified as Republicans were more likely to criticize ultra-processed foods than Democrats, with 76 percent of Republicans vs 64 percent of Democrats saying America's food is too high in unhealthy ingredients.
"RFK Jr has been vocal about his opposition to many vaccines," claiming that no shot is 'effective.'
In 2021, he suggested that the Covid shot 'has killed more people than all vaccines combined over the past 30 years,' which experts called an 'inaccurate representation of data.' He has also stated that childhood vaccines could be driving a rise in autism rates, which experts have long disproven. He chairs the anti-vax organization Children's Health Defense and has previously suggested getting rid of school vaccine mandates.
The poll found that people ages 30 to 49 were most likely to suggest US food is fueling the country's obesity crisis, with 67 percent saying they agree. Among younger millennials and Gen Z, however, just 59 percent selected 'agree.'
"The results come as 40 percent of Americans are now obese," according to the latest CDC data.
Saturated fats and added sugars have long been shown to cause plaque buildup in arteries and blood sugar spikes, increasing risks for conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Vaccine Confidence
Americans were most comfortable overall with MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), polio, and flu shots. Overall confidence was highest for MMR and polio shots at 67 percent comfort level. The chickenpox vaccine followed closely behind at a similar confidence level.
"Covid vaccines have prevented millions of deaths worldwide." While serious side effects occur rarely—affecting around one in 200,000 people—these concerns persist among some groups due to misinformation spread by influencers including RFK Jr.
Expert Opinion
Dr Paul Offit stated: "These are probably one of the world's most studied vaccines."