Three top federal agencies signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Thursday, launching a coordinated, modernized effort to shield American consumers from heavy metals and other toxic contaminants in the food supply.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin jointly announced the agreement.
The updated document fundamentally revamps how the USDA, HHS, and EPA share information and pool scientific expertise under the long-standing National Residue Program, which monitors and regulates meat, poultry, and egg products.
“American farmers, ranchers, and producers grow and raise the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food supply in the world. Together with our partners at HHS and EPA, we are strengthening the health of American families and giving consumers confidence in the safety of our food supply,” said Secretary Rollins. “This new MOU modernizes how our agencies work together and streamlines the way we share information, coordinates scientific expertise, and improves how we detect and address potential risks. This is the Trump Administration improving the way our government works so we can better protect the American people and ensure the safety of our food supply, which is truly a national security and health priority.”
The federal update brings immediate changes to the frontline of food testing. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has implemented a new, streamlined laboratory testing method designed to detect and measure 18 distinct heavy metals at ultra-low levels. Under the new protocol, if FSIS labs spot elevated or unusual levels of contaminants, the agency will launch science-based assessments to determine whether to pull those products from distribution.
Crucially, the surveillance expansion moves into new territory. FSIS will now test processed foods—such as sausages and ready-to-eat meals—which frequently blend ingredients from multiple distinct sources and suppliers. Existing data from FSIS indicates that heavy metal contamination in raw meat and poultry is historically rare. The agency plans to continue publishing all surveillance testing results online to maintain public transparency.
“Protecting Americans from harmful contaminants in food is a core priority of the Trump Administration,” said HHS Secretary Kennedy. “We are strengthening oversight, improving detection, and coordinating across the federal government to reduce exposure to heavy metals and other toxins. I appreciate Secretary Rollins and Administrator Zeldin for their leadership as we work together to protect American families and Make America Healthy Again.”
The joint initiative functions as a cornerstone of the broader Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. Specifically, the strategy builds upon explicit goals outlined in the MAHA Report, which prioritizes reducing children’s exposure to heavy metals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other environmental toxins.
“At the Trump EPA, we are excited to help advance new policies to Make America Healthy Again. Today’s announcement ensures a safer food supply by supporting new testing methods to reduce metal residues in produce, meat, and, for the first time ever, processed foods,” said Administrator Zeldin. “We want Americans to feel confident the food on their plate has been held to the highest standards of safety. It’s an honor to serve on the MAHA Commission, led by Secretary Kennedy, working with great partners like Secretary Rollins to pave the way for a healthier nation for generations to come.”
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