RFK Jr. Challenges Dunkin' on Ingredient Safety, Massachusetts Governor Fires Back

Health Secretary Kennedy says companies must prove safety, prompting defiant response from Massachusetts governor

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called on Dunkin' and other companies to prove the safety of their ingredients, particularly high sugar levels in drinks. This prompted a defiant response from Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who posted an image of a 'Come and Take It' flag featuring a Dunkin' cup silhouette, challenging Kennedy's directive.

Why it matters

Kennedy's push to overhaul food ingredient approval policies aligns with nutrition advocates' longstanding calls for stricter oversight. However, industry groups argue that changes could raise costs and threaten the U.S. food supply. The clash between a federal health official and a state governor highlights the political tensions around food regulations.

The details

At a rally in Austin, Texas, Kennedy said Dunkin' and Starbucks would need to 'show us the safety data' proving it's safe for teenagers to consume drinks with 115 grams of sugar. He aims to close the 'GRAS loophole' that allows companies to self-verify ingredient safety without FDA oversight. In response, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey posted an image of a 'Come and Take It' flag featuring a Dunkin' cup, defiantly challenging Kennedy's directive.

  • Kennedy made the comments at a rally in Austin, Texas last week.
  • Healey posted her response on the social platform X on Wednesday.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has worked to overhaul food ingredient approval policies.

Maura Healey

The Democratic governor of Massachusetts, who posted a defiant response to Kennedy's challenge to Dunkin'.

Dunkin'

The Massachusetts-based coffee and donut chain that Kennedy has targeted over the safety of its ingredients.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to ask Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks, 'Show us the safety data that show that it's OK for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar in it.'”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

“Come and take it.”

— Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts (X)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.