(Maire Clayton, Headline USA) Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited a Steak n’ Shake with Fox News host Sean Hannity after the fast food chain halted the use of seed oils in its fries.
“Steak ‘n Shake just switched out, and people are raving about these french fries,” Kennedy told Hannity while sitting inside the restaurant.
The chain is now using beef tallow instead of vegetable oil.
“Steak n’ Shake has been great. We’re very grateful for them for RFK-ing and the French fries,” Kennedy continued. “They turned me into a verb.”
Kennedy briefly spoke about how he thinks seed oil is partly responsible for chronic illnesses.
“Seed oil is one of the components of processed foods, and all the science indicates that ultra-processed foods are the principal culprit in this extraordinary explosion — the epidemic we have of chronic disease,” he said.
While Kennedy does not like the use of seed oils, he believes everyone deserves the freedom to decide if they want to consume it.
“People should be able to make their own choices. If you want to eat a donut or seed oils, you should be able to,” he told Hannity. “You should be able to exercise informed choice. You should know what that product is, what’s in your food, and what the health impacts are. That’s all we’re going to do,”
The fast food chain later thanked Kennedy for stopping by one of its establishments.
“Thank you for visiting Steak n Shake Secretary Kennedy!” the post read along with an image of Kennedy.
Thank you for visiting Steak n Shake Secretary Kennedy! pic.twitter.com/pRu1u37MvW
— Steak 'n Shake (@SteaknShake) March 11, 2025
The chain previously announced its plan to switch all locations away from seed oil on Jan. 16.
“The consumer wants the best and deserves the best. By adopting 100% beef tallow, Steak n Shake is delivering the best fries possible,” Chief global development officer Kristen Briede said at the time.
