Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited a Steak ‘n Shake in Florida over the weekend with Fox News host Sean Hannity, following the announcement that the company would be frying its shoestring fries in beef tallow.
“Steak ‘n Shake has been wonderful. We appreciate them for introducing beef tallow fries. They have transformed me into a verb,” he stated on “Hannity.”
In a message dated March 1 on X, the company announced the use of 100% all-natural beef tallow in all of its locations
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Steak n Shake Curb service sign at a restaurant in Springfield, MO circa 1992. ((Photo by: HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images))
The long-standing establishment prides itself as the only burger chain in the United States to make the switch from vegetable oil to beef tallow, a rendered fat.
“Consumers expect and deserve the best. By embracing 100% beef tallow, Steak ‘n Shake is providing the finest fries possible,” stated Kristen Briede, the chief global development officer for the company, in a declaration.
RFK Jr. has promoted beef tallow as a healthier option to seed oils, frequently found in processed foods.
“We aim to encourage these companies to be transparent, switch from ultra-processed foods, and join in the movement to enhance the health of America,” the former Independent presidential candidate commented.
Fox News host Sean Hannity speaks with RFK Jr. from a Steak ‘n Shake in Florida. (Fox News / Hannity)
“We are harming ourselves and this largely stems from these ultra-processed foods.”
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He emphasized that the Trump administration is dedicated to “profound” openness and aims to encourage other companies to shift towards traditional and natural ingredients.
RFK Jr. met with the CEOs of major food companies like General Mills, WK Kellogg Co., Kraft Heinz, and The J.M. Smucker Co. on Monday to discuss ways to advance food safety and consumer trust.
“People should have the freedom to make their own decisions. If you want to consume a donut or seed oils, you should be able to. You should have the ability to make educated choices. You should understand the product, its contents, and its health consequences. That’s our core focus,” he stated on “Hannity.”
Muncie, U.S – September 1, 2016: Steak ‘n Shake Retail Fast Casual Restaurant Chain. Steak ‘n Shake is located in the Midwest and Southern U.S. (iStock)
The HHS secretary also emphasized the importance of addressing the obesity epidemic in the United States to allow people to lead longer and healthier lives.Â
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 40% of American adults are obese.
RFK Jr. shared findings from Stanford and Harvard indicating the connection between mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, and diet.
“Food is medicine. Through dietary adjustments, some diagnoses can be improved,” he noted.Â
Food background with an assortment of fresh healthy organic fruits and vegetables on the table (iStock)
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“This current generation of our children is the first generation in 200 years that might have a shorter lifespan than their parents. We are, you know, we are failing these kids and there is a moral dilemma here. And we must start addressing it because it is a moral dilemma. It is a financial dilemma.Healthcare expenses will overwhelm us and the only way to tackle it is by changing our diet.”
