RFK Jr.’s MAHA movement has picked up steam in statehouses. Here’s what to expect in 2026.

Adam Burkhammer, a West Virginia legislator, and his wife made a significant change to their foster child’s diet when they noticed hyperactivity issues. They decided to remove foods containing synthetic dyes, which resulted in a positive impact on their children’s behavior. This experience led Burkhammer to sponsor a bill banning seven dyes from food sold in the state, making West Virginia the first state to implement such a ban.

The movement to regulate synthetic dyes has gained momentum at the state level, with approximately 75 bills introduced in 37 states in 2025. The broader “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda, spearheaded by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has influenced these policy changes. MAHA policies, focused on ingredient safety and transparency, have received bipartisan support in various states.

Several states, including West Virginia, have enacted laws targeting food dyes, either by requiring warning labels on dyed foods or banning certain additives in schools. Major food companies such as Nestle, Hershey, and PepsiCo have committed to eliminating artificial color additives from their products over the next few years.

The push for healthier food options extends beyond food dyes. Efforts to regulate ultraprocessed foods, restrict SNAP benefits for sugary items, and address vaccination policies have also gained traction. California and other states have taken steps to phase out ultraprocessed foods in schools, sparking legal battles with major food companies.

While there is a consensus on the need for nutrition reforms, disagreements exist on which foods to target. Sugar, sodium, raw milk, and saturated fats are among the contentious issues within the MAHA agenda. Federal agencies’ actions on vaccine access have prompted states to set their own standards, with some states eliminating vaccine mandates for employees.

Congress has yet to address most MAHA proposals, leaving states to take the lead on implementing health policy changes. State lawmakers, driven by a desire to restore public trust in health institutions, are at the forefront of these efforts to promote healthier living.

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