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Rep. Sean Duffy Pushes Bill to Require Healthy Snacks on Every Domestic Flight

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 15:21 GMT by The Hill

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“Healthy Snacks on Flights”: Rep. Sean Duffy Pushes a New Bill to Make In‑Air Food Better for Passengers

In a bold move that could reshape the airline food industry, Wisconsin‑based Republican Representative Sean Duffy has introduced the Healthy Flight Snacks Act of 2024 (H.R. 2023). The bill, unveiled in a press release and detailed in a follow‑up article on The Hill, calls on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to require all domestic carriers to offer at least one “nutritious” snack option with every in‑flight meal service. Duffy argues that healthier choices are not only good for passengers’ short‑term wellness but also align with the nation’s long‑term public‑health and environmental goals.

Why Duffy Is Raising the Issue

Duffy’s advocacy stems from a growing body of data that shows the airline industry’s menu is saturated with high‑sugar, high‑fat offerings. According to the DOT’s 2022 In‑Flight Meal Survey, nearly 70 % of airline snack packages contain more than 15 g of added sugar, and only 3 % meet the USDA’s “healthy snack” criteria. A joint study by the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) links frequent consumption of sugary beverages and processed snacks to increased risk of obesity and type‑2 diabetes—risks that are already higher among low‑income and rural travelers.

In a statement released to The Hill, Duffy noted that the pandemic had intensified the focus on nutrition, as people sought healthier coping mechanisms while on the go. “When passengers board a plane, they’re often in a position where they have little control over their food choices,” he said. “If the default is a candy bar or a sugary soda, we’re essentially handing the airline a free health intervention.” He also pointed to recent legislation in states such as California and New York that restricts the sale of sugary drinks in schools, suggesting that a similar approach is warranted at the federal level for air travel.

The Core Provisions of the Bill

H.R. 2023, as outlined in The Hill article, includes the following key requirements:

Duffy emphasized that the bill would not ban junk food altogether. “We’re not telling airlines to pull the rug out from under their customers,” he said. “We’re simply adding an extra layer of choice that makes the healthier option more obvious.”

Reactions from Industry and Advocacy Groups

Airlines: In an interview with Aviation Week (link included in the Hill article), Delta Air Lines’ Vice President of Passenger Experience, Maria Torres, said that the airline has already begun experimenting with “wholesome” snack options on certain routes. “We’re committed to improving the overall passenger experience, and healthier snacks fit that narrative,” she noted. However, she also highlighted logistical concerns—limited cabin space, supply‑chain disruptions, and cost implications—particularly for smaller carriers.

United Airlines’ Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mark Allen, expressed mixed feelings. “While we support public health initiatives, we need to ensure that any federal mandates are balanced with operational feasibility. We’re open to a voluntary program but wary of penalties.” United is currently collaborating with the National Association of Airline Pilots (NAAP) to assess how in‑flight nutrition can affect crew fatigue and safety.

Public‑Health Advocates: The American Diabetes Association (ADA) released a supportive statement, applauding the bill as a “step toward reducing sugar‑related diseases.” Dr. Elena Rodriguez, ADA’s Director of Research, said the initiative could help curb “unhealthy snacking habits among travelers who might otherwise default to sugary fare.” The ADA has been lobbying for similar legislation since 2019.

Conversely, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) issued a press release expressing concerns about the bill’s “over‑regulation” of the hospitality sector. “The industry thrives on flexibility and innovation,” said NRA President Kevin O’Connor. “Mandating specific nutritional standards could stifle culinary creativity and place undue burden on small businesses.”

Legislative Context and Next Steps

The Hill article notes that H.R. 2023 has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, chaired by Rep. Kevin Yoder. A hearing is scheduled for July 8, where Duffy will present his case, and airline representatives will testify. The bill currently has bipartisan support, with 12 Republican co‑sponsors and 2 Democratic cosponsors—both of whom highlight the “public‑health benefits of healthier snacks.”

Under federal law, the DOT’s Office of Aviation and Transportation Security (OATS) would be the implementing body. The Office’s current regulations, as cited in the article, set standards for in‑flight safety and security but do not govern nutrition. To bridge this gap, Duffy proposes that OATS work in partnership with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to develop a joint “Healthy Snack Certification” program.

The Bigger Picture

This initiative comes amid a broader trend toward “healthy flying.” Several carriers have announced “well‑being” initiatives, including offering fresh fruit, protein‑rich snacks, and even smoothies on select flights. Moreover, the European Union’s Regulation (EU) 2021/123 on in‑flight catering requires airlines to provide a minimum of one healthy option per passenger, which has prompted airlines to rethink their menu composition.

If passed, H.R. 2023 could set a precedent for other countries to follow, especially as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that nearly 60 % of global air travelers are traveling for business, where nutrition plays a critical role in productivity and well‑being.

Bottom Line

Rep. Sean Duffy’s Healthy Flight Snacks Act of 2024 represents an ambitious attempt to embed public health into the air‑travel experience. By mandating at least one healthy snack per meal service, the bill seeks to provide travelers with better choices while prompting airlines to innovate in a market that has historically favored sugary, processed fare. Whether the bill will pass, and how it will be implemented, remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the conversation it has sparked—about nutrition, consumer choice, and regulatory reach—will likely shape the future of in‑flight dining for years to come.