Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called on major coffee chains including Starbucks and Dunkin' to prove that their ingredients are safe for teenagers, particularly high-sugar drinks, as part of the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" campaign.

Speaking at a rally at Brazos Hall in Austin, Texas last week, Kennedy said the companies would need to demonstrate the safety of their products. The challenge to Dunkin', which is based in Massachusetts, prompted a sharp response from the state's Democratic governor.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey responded Wednesday with the phrase "Come and take it," defending the popular coffee chain that has deep roots in the state. The exchange has drawn comparisons to historical Boston resistance, with some social media users referencing the 1773 Boston Tea Party.

On Thursday, Kennedy held a press conference announcing a separate initiative to push medical schools to teach more about nutrition. This effort is part of the broader health agenda Kennedy has promoted since taking his position in the Trump administration.

The dietary safety challenge comes weeks after Kennedy unveiled new dietary guidelines and what he described as an upside-down food pyramid that places different emphasis on food groups compared to traditional nutritional guidance.

The confrontation between the federal health secretary and state officials over popular regional brands reflects broader tensions over federal health policy and state responses to the new administration's initiatives.