The confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary in February 2025 sent shockwaves across the food ecosystem, raising serious questions at C-suite and board levels about how to navigate the volatile landscape ahead. In response, Clareo and the UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies convened a panel of industry experts to explore the strategic implications of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda.
The MAHA movement represents more than just another regulatory shift—it’s accelerating transformations already underway in our food system. By bringing together voices from across the political spectrum in unprecedented ways, from conservative think tanks to social media activists, this movement signals a fundamental realignment in how consumers, regulators, and industry leaders approach food.
Our expert panel brought complementary perspectives to help food industry leaders navigate this new terrain:
- Dr. Stephen Ostroff, Former FDA Deputy Commissioner and twice Acting Commissioner, provided crucial regulatory insights
- Jack Bobo, Food Futurist and Executive Director at UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies, offered strategic foresight on policy implications
- Faith Son, Food Industry Expert at Clareo and former food innovation leader, shared practical business adaptation strategies
- Scott Bowman, Managing Director at Clareo, moderated and framed the discussion around future-back thinking
The conversation explored how the MAHA agenda is uniting strange bedfellows, creating both challenges and opportunities for the food industry. Key themes included the regulatory targeting of synthetic additives, ultra-processed foods, and alternative proteins; the distinction between strategic planning and strategic foresight; and practical approaches for companies to thrive amid heightened volatility.
Rather than merely reacting to regulatory changes, our experts advocated for a proactive stance. “You can have a seat at the table or you can be on the menu,” Scott Bowman noted. The webinar provided and discussed frameworks for embracing uncertainty through multiple plausible futures while planning for volatility with agile teams and adaptive systems.
Watch the Full Webinar
For food industry leaders navigating these uncharted waters, understanding the full strategic implications of the MAHA movement is essential. Our expert panel went beyond surface-level analysis to provide actionable insights and frameworks you can apply immediately.
The complete webinar recording offers detailed perspectives on:
- Specific regulatory targets and approaches under the MAHA agenda
- Strategic frameworks for creating resilience amid volatility
- Practical steps for reformulation, innovation, and market positioning
- How to turn regulatory challenges into competitive advantages
