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Helena Bottemiller Evich

@hbottemiller.bsky.social
6.6K followers 49 following 44 posts

I write a must-read newsletter on all things food policy - for consumers and insiders alike. Get on the list: foodfix.co

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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Thank you!!
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Does anyone know if there any political scientists digging into the Make America Healthy Again movement? (RIP academic Twitter I’m sure I would have already found them!)
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Here at FDA today for an expert panel on infant formula w/FDA commissioner Marty Makary. Having flashbacks to reporting on the infant formula crisis, which is still one of the most traumatic things I've ever covered. Glad to see formula getting attention again- important topic that's often ignored
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Reposted by Helena Bottemiller Evich
Randy Rosso @fooddatanerd.com · 02/05/2025
🥗 I'm not the only one in my profanity era. @hbottemiller.bsky.social said, and I quote, "Centering school meals on whole, local foods would require a fuck ton more money."
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Reposted by Helena Bottemiller Evich
Food Fix @foodfixco.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
After a very busy week, the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ (#MAHA) agenda starts to take shape in DC. foodfix.co/washington-e...
foodfix.co
Washington enters its MAHA era — and everyone is struggling to keep up
After a very busy week, the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ agenda starts to take shape in DC.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Scoop: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told food industry CEOs Monday that he wants synthetic food dyes out of the food supply before he leaves office. The full readout in @foodfixco.bsky.social: foodfix.co/robert-f-ken...
foodfix.co
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s MAHA message to food sector CEOs
A readout of RFK Jr.’s Monday meeting with food industry CEOs. The meeting comes as the food industry faces increasing pressure from many directions and the Trump administration signals GRAS reform is...
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
The Trump administration fired and subsequently rehired the person in charge of infant formula safety at FDA, per sources familiar — the latest example of a disruptive government layoff that had to be walked back. foodfix.co/the-trump-ad...
foodfix.co
The Trump administration fired — then rehired — FDA’s lead on infant formula safety
Another DOGE layoff bites the dust. Plus, some staff working on food chemical oversight have also been called back after being fired.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
For more on this, see the latest edition of @foodfixco.bsky.social >> foodfix.co/how-sweeping...
foodfix.co
How sweeping FDA firings may disrupt food additives oversight
Rank-and-file FDA staff are reeling after a chaotic weekend of layoffs. Exclusive: FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods abruptly resigns. Plus, Brooke Rollins leans into MAHA.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Of course, it’s possible that the new administration has plans to bring in their own people to continue these functions. If so, it would still be a lengthy process to recruit and hire from scratch. Both FDA and HHS did not respond to my questions nor a request for comment.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
That Kennedy was plugging a European-style regulatory system on Fox News is remarkable – a true sign of political realignment on this issue – but it’s not lost on FDA staff that it makes little sense right now to gut the government employees who do this very work.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
“Many of the additives we have are just illegal in Europe,” Kennedy added. “We need to move more and more toward the European standard.”
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Kennedy continued: "It’s about … allowing people to understand and empower them with understanding: That if you eat that, it may seem cheap, but it’s going to cost you in the long run. You’re going to get diabetes, etc.”
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
“First of all, I believe in freedom of choice,” Kennedy said. “If you want to eat Twinkies, you ought to be able to eat them, but you ought to know what’s in them. A lot of what I’m going to do is about radical transparency… "
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Last week on Fox News, Kennedy was asked about the top three food additives he wanted to remove from the food supply.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
It’s not clear what the administration has in mind for addressing food additives. At times, advisors have floated reforming the Generally Recognized as Safe system, but lately key officials have been emphasizing that they are not going to be heavy handed.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
This move comes right as the new administration has gone all-in on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement, which has been extremely focused on concerns about food additives already on the market.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
The post-market assessment office was particularly vulnerable to the mass layoffs because it was just hatched a few months ago and a high proportion of its staff were probationary. I don’t have exact figures, but I’m told the majority of staff were laid off.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
One office w/in FDA’s new Office of Food Chemical Safety, Dietary Supplements, and Innovation was particularly hard hit: a new division tasked w/post-market assessment – in other words, the office charged with taking a harder look at the food chemicals already on the market.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Thousands of employees across HHS received emails Saturday night alleging that they were fired for poor performance, regardless of what their performance reviews said. This action targeted so-called probationary employees, who are often newer at the agency.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
It’s difficult to get a full picture of the layoffs because of how abruptly this is all being handled, and because FDA is still not responding to press inquiries. Here’s what I’ve been able to gather so far from talking to folks inside the agency:
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
FDA’s work to beef up oversight of food chemicals -- a key MAHA priority -- was disproportionately affected by a rash of firings at the agency last weekend, according to several sources. 🧵
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Scoop: Jim Jones has resigned as FDA deputy commissioner for human foods. The move comes after the Trump administration over the weekend fired thousands of employees across HHS, including many within FDA’s foods program. foodfix.co/jim-jones-re...
foodfix.co
Jim Jones resigns as FDA deputy commissioner for human foods
The resignation comes after a tumultuous weekend of layoffs at FDA and across HHS more broadly.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
I'm digging more into DOGE and food/ag policy today (so USDA/FDA/NIH) and also the lingering consequences of the grants/spending freeze. If you're impacted by any of this, get in touch: helena@foodfix.co. I'm also on signal. DM me!
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
More on the poll here ⤵️ apnews.com/article/rfk-...
apnews.com
What US adults think of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his views on vaccines, fluoride and raw milk
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing some skepticism from the public. A survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows only about 3 in 10 Americans approve of President Dona...
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
It's a stark contrast to what the poll found on vaccines
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moderates his statements on vaccines but doubles down on the MAHA food agenda... this new poll from @apnews.com caught my eye: Shows a crackdown on processed foods is broadly popular across all political lines 👀
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
I also asked about Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' request to pilot a ban on certain food items from SNAP in Arkansas. She said she hadn't given the issue much thought yet, but said she generally favored states being laboratories for policy. 3/3
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
"...but what my role will be to strike a balance between defending our farmers and ranchers but also working with Bobby Kennedy who I adore to effectuate the president's vision on all of the above." 2/3
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
After the confirmation hearing, I asked Brooke Rollins (Trump's USDA pick) about the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. "I certainly support the concept. America, as we discussed in this hearing, is becoming unhealthier and unhealthier..." 1/3
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
PSA for parents of littles today: After your kids freeze their buns off playing in the snow, @ngadc.bsky.social has a handy painting app 🎨 www.nga.gov/games/paint-...
nga.gov
Paint ’n’ Play | Art Game for Kids | National Gallery of Art
Create like a great with our painting art game for kids. Choose your brushes and colors inspired by Van Gogh, Alma Thomas and other great artists.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
Trying really hard to think of an American institution that's doing well right now. Trusted by public. Functional and well-funded. I know the military generally ranks high in public trust. Is that all we've got?
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Here's the final rule - happy reading! www.federalregister.gov/public-inspe...
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
The FDA today updated what can be labeled as "healthy" - a long-awaited move that's expected to have a minimal impact on public health. FDA estimates the benefit of this policy change is roughly $686 million over 20 years. Diet-related diseases cost hundreds of billions/year.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
Thank you! Appreciate the shout
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
I keep using the word disorienting. For anyone who's been in food policy for a decade or more... we very much remember when Republicans LOST IT over Michelle Obama's push to make school meals healthier. The political realignment here is BIG.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
Big Food is in trouble. 👀 My latest for @foodfixco.bsky.social: foodfix.co/concern-abou...
foodfix.co
Concern about chronic disease crisis takes a bipartisan turn
It’s increasingly difficult to tell the difference between Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill as “Make America Healthy Again” themes move into the mainstream.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Interesting chart - adjusting for age is something we should do more! This is for diabetes (types 1 and 2) - would be so helpful to have this same visualization for cvd, obesity, etc etc
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Wow: FDA commish Robert Califf just endorsed limiting SNAP to healthy foods. (SNAP under USDA but still 👀) "It would be one of the most important things, I think, that could be done here. The US govt has the purchasing power, so why not purchase healthy food?" www.help.senate.gov/hearings/wha...
help.senate.gov
What Is the FDA Doing to Reduce the Diabetes and Obesity Epidemics in America and Take on the Greed of the Food and Beverage Industry? | The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pension...
The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
So helpful! Feels like an old Twitter reunion and I love it
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
so helpful, thank you!
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Trump has picked RFK Jr. to lead HHS. Washington, to put it mildly, is freaking out. Here's a roundup of the reaction: foodfix.co/trump-taps-r...
foodfix.co
Trump taps Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead HHS. Washington is freaking out.
President-elect Donald Trump selects vaccine skeptic and public health critic RFK Jr. to lead HHS, which oversees major health care programs, CDC, NIH and FDA.
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Reposted by Helena Bottemiller Evich
Kevin C Klatt, PhD, RD @kcklatt.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
Been thinking a lot about Michelle Obama's campaign to take America's nutrition issues seriously and all of the pushback she got @hbottemiller.bsky.social had a great piece detailing Obama's fight that should serve as a template for anyone who wants MAHA to succeed www.politico.com/agenda/story...
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
I am back! Thanks for the nudge :)
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Hello, hello! I'm officially back on here. Who should I be following? Where are the food/agriculture policy nerds? Help me out!
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 15/07/2023
The latest edition of Food Fix is a good one! The lineup: – A new bill aims to show us what foods SNAP buys – Formula maker Bobbie becomes No. 3 player – Aspartame in the hot seat – again – Food Fix tries cell-cultivated meat foodfix.co/we-spend-billions-on-sna…
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 09/07/2023
Yes it’s increasingly a thing! Check out The Tangle by Isaac Saul, Platformer by Casey Newton. Journalists in niches are building their own platforms.
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Helena Bottemiller Evich @hbottemiller.bsky.social · 09/07/2023
Alright actually giving this thing a try. Hi! I’m a longtime food policy reporter in Washington - I recently left Politico to launch my own newsletter and it’s fun to read… go sign up here: foodfix.co
foodfix.co
Home - Food Fix
Food Fix is a new publication about food policy in Washington and beyond by award-winning journalist Helena Bottemiller Evich.
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