Over the past week or so, the “Make America Healthy Again” movement has impacted federal and state policy regarding the fluoridation of public water, food oversight, and vaccination priorities.
Utah, for example, will become the first state in the nation to ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water.
Currently, only two counties in the state add the chemical to their water supply, but nearly half of all state residents live in those counties. The legislation is sponsored by Republican Rep. Stephanie Gricius, who argues that it’s expensive to add fluoride, and nixing this addition is about promoting “individual choice.” The bill notably moves to allow pharmacists to prescribe fluoride tablets to those who need the mineral. Republican Gov. Spencer Cox has said he will sign the bill into law, which would take effect on May 7.
Health and Human Services Secretary…
