NEW YORK, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Twinkie maker JM Smucker

is planning to monitor and assess any changes in food

and nutrition regulations that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could

implement as President-elect Donald Trump's potential top health

agency head.

Kennedy said during his run for U.S. president as an

independent that he wanted to "Make America Healthy Again,"

calling out additives, chemicals and sugar used in packaged

foods and sodas as culprits for causing chronic illness in the

United States.

The views of the nominee to head the Department of Health

and Human Services on food could put Smucker -- which

manufactures Uncrustables frozen peanut butter and jelly

sandwiches, and which acquired Hostess, the maker of Twinkies,

Ho Hos and Donettes, last year -- on the defensive.

"As it relates to the incoming administration under RFK's

leadership, we need to assess any policy decisions," said

Smucker Chief Financial Officer Tucker Marshall. "We continue to

monitor and assess what ultimately his agenda and policies will

be."

Tucker added that despite Kennedy's rhetoric, consumers want

to eat sweets, such as Hostess' Twinkies, danishes and Donettes.

Food industry experts also expect Kennedy will push for

limits on dyes used to color food. Smucker's sugar-free jams,

jellies and preserves include food dyes, the company said.

"The company will continue to review ingredients to ensure

alignment with the expectations of consumers and all of its

products will continue to meet all regulatory requirements,"

Smucker said.

Shares of packaged food companies including Smucker, Kraft

Heinz ( KHC ), which makes kids' meal kit Lunchables and frozen

food manufacturer Conagra fell after Kennedy was

nominated. Hot Pockets maker Nestle sought to play down

differences with Kennedy, saying the company also believes in

regenerative, cleaner agriculture.