NOPA Encourages MAHA Commission to Base Recommendations on Proven Nutrition Science
Washington, May 22, 2025 – Earlier today, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission released its report outlining recommendations for improving national health outcomes. The National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) supports the Trump administration’s commitment to tackling chronic childhood disease and advancing public health and appreciates the report’s broad approach to health and wellness. NOPA is concerned that key sections of the report overlook the totality of the science; particularly those addressing dietary fats and oils that are foundational to human health.
Seed oils—including commonly used vegetable oils such as canola, corn, soybean, and sunflower oil—have been a part of the global food supply for more than a century. These oils are not only essential sources of healthy fats, but also represent the success of American farmers, processors, and exporters in feeding both our nation and the world. Their nutritional value has been thoroughly established through independent, peer-reviewed research including large, randomized controlled trials. This body of science confirms the important role these fats play in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes and asserts that these beneficial oils do not increase inflammation.
Major public health organizations continue to affirm the safety and benefits of these oils as part of a balanced diet. Undermining these ingredients without credible scientific justification risks confusing consumers, weakening trust in the food system, and raising the cost of food for consumers who can least afford it. The oilseed sector supports millions of jobs, sustains rural communities, and contributes to the nation’s food security with high-quality, affordable, nutritious ingredients.
NOPA encourages the MAHA Commission to remain grounded in sound, evidence-based nutrition science. We urge greater inclusion of agricultural stakeholders in the MAHA process to ensure that rural America’s contributions to the health and economic prosperity of our nation are reflected in the work of the Commission.
###
Organized in 1930, the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) represents the U.S. soybean, canola, flaxseed, safflower seed, and sunflower seed-crushing industries. NOPA’s membership is engaged in the processing of oilseeds for meal and oil that are utilized in the manufacturing of food, feed, renewable fuels, and industrial products. NOPA’s 18 member companies operate over 70 softseed and soybean solvent extraction plants across 21 states, crushing over 95% of all soybeans processed in the United States, the equivalent to more than 2 billion bushels annually. More information at www.NOPA.org.