Authors object to error in MAHA committee report due to ‘format’
The White House has cited errors in the HHS Make America Healthy Again Commission report, but researchers are pushing back.
Fast food chain Steak ‘n Shake is creating a new position within the company, Chief MAHA Officer, to deepen its alignment with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” effort.
The company announced that Michael Bose, developer of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and former senior adviser in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, will take on the position. A news release shared with USA TODAY describes the position as a “new executive role dedicated to advancing nutritional integrity, ingredient transparency and the long-term health of Steak ‘n Shake customers.”
“The appointment of MAHA’s Chief Executive Officer reflects our continued commitment to making Steak ‘n Shake a major differentiator in the fast food world. Michael’s deep understanding of nutrition and experience in top-level health policy development make him ideal for such a role,” Sardar Biglari, chairman and CEO of Biglari Holdings, owner of Steak ‘n Shake, said in a release. “Simply put, delicious food should be good for you.”
The new role marks the company’s latest move to reinvent itself, which included switching from seed oil to beef tallow for cooking oil last March. In August, the company began offering sugar cane Coca-Cola soda in glass bottles to customers. And the “highest and largest American flag recognized by local governments” will be installed in various locations.
What is the title of Steak ‘n Shake’s Chief MAHA Officer?
The restaurant’s new position aligns with its commitment to “reclaiming the true spirit of American fast food” and “championing healthy fast food,” according to a news release from the restaurant.
As MAHA chief executive, Bose will oversee and lead a review of Steak & Shake’s ingredient sourcing, nutritional standards and preparation methods, the release said.
“Customers should never have to choose between taste and health,” Bose said in a release. “When restaurants do both, they serve better food and build lasting trust.”
What other recent changes has Steak ‘n Shake made?
Additionally, in February, the company announced its decision to remove all microwaves from franchised locations by April, writing in an online post that “quality restaurants don’t need microwaves.”
“This is part of our commitment to improving the quality of our food and using only traditional cooking methods,” the chain wrote. “Let’s eat real food.”
Prior to that, Steak ‘n Shake announced the switch from seed oil to beef tallow in March 2025, saying in a social media post, “Steak ‘n Shake is proud to support MAHA and Secretary Kennedy! Your life is limited by seed oil. We want to be at the forefront and make a difference! #MAHA.” Kennedy Jr. thanked the restaurant for its “leadership in the movement to make America healthy again.”
Along with cane-infused Coca-Cola sodas in glass bottles, the restaurant lends a patriotic shine to other products. Throughout the month of January, Steak ‘n Shake is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, or half a century, by offering “Patriot Milkshakes” for just $2.50.
Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or X @katecperez_.
