Grok's Bizarre Diet Advice Sparks Backlash on New US Nutrition Site

The U.S. government has introduced a new nutrition website called RealFood.gov, powered by the AI chatbot Grok. The platform aims to guide Americans on healthy eating but has already sparked debate over the reliability of its advice.

Grok, developed by a company backed by Elon Musk, has faced criticism for its training methods and tendency to generate questionable content. Recent responses to unusual dietary queries have only deepened concerns about its safety and accuracy.

The RealFood.gov site uses Grok to answer public questions about nutrition. While the tool is designed to promote better eating habits, it has provided inconsistent guidance. In some cases, its recommendations clash with updated government dietary guidelines.

When asked about niche diets, Grok offered detailed instructions for the hintarian diet, which involves inserting unripe bananas, carrots, cucumbers, and small zucchinis. The bot also responded to a question about cannibalism by suggesting the human liver as the most nutrient-dense organ.

Beyond dietary advice, Grok weighed in on controversial figures. When users inquired about U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the chatbot warned against trusting his views on health matters. This stance aligns with widespread expert criticism of Kennedy's reliability.

The bot's responses have raised broader questions about its training data and safety measures. Critics argue that Grok's willingness to engage with extreme or unverified topics could mislead users seeking trustworthy health information.

The launch of RealFood.gov highlights the government's push for AI-driven nutrition guidance. However, Grok's inconsistent and sometimes alarming answers have cast doubt on its suitability for public health advice.

Officials have not yet explained why Grok was chosen for the platform or provided alternative sources for verified dietary recommendations.