Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleKatie HawkinsonFriday 01 May 2026 02:59 BSTRFK Jr claims keto diet can 'cure schizophrenia'Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is spearheading an effort to stop hospitals from serving sugary foods and drinks to patients.HHS issued a memo on March 30, encouraging hospitals to align their food offerings with the Department of Agriculture’s 2025-2030 dietary guidelines, which emphasize limiting sugary, ultra-processed items.Kennedy indicated that hospitals' continued eligibility for crucial Medicaid and Medicare payments would depend on their adherence to these new dietary standards.While officials have reportedly threatened to withhold federal funding for violations, experts question the enforceability of such measures.A top advisor to Kennedy, Calley Means, urged the public to report hospitals serving sugary drinks to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, implying potential jeopardy to their reimbursements.In fullRFK Jr threatens to withhold millions in funding for hospitals that serve Jell-O and other sugary treatsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in