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NIH Scientist Resigns, Alleging Censorship and Resource Barriers

Kevin Hall cites interference in research on ultra-processed foods and lack of response from HHS leadership as reasons for his early retirement.

Food and nutrition researchers had high hopes when Robert f. Kennedy Jr., center, was sworn in as secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Dr. Kevin Hall was a senior investigator at the US National Institutes of Health conducting some of the world’s only controlled trials on ultraprocessed foods.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a news conference at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images
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Overview

  • Kevin Hall, a senior investigator at the NIH, announced his early retirement, citing censorship of his research findings and resource limitations.
  • Hall's research focused on the link between ultra-processed foods and chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity.
  • He alleged that HHS denied a New York Times interview request and altered his responses to downplay findings that conflicted with agency narratives.
  • In a March 28 letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, Hall raised concerns about censorship and difficulties obtaining research supplies, but received no response.
  • HHS has not commented on Hall's allegations, which highlight broader tensions over the agency's restructuring and new policy priorities.