NOPA & CRA Disappointed by Inaccurate Seed Oil Comments From FDA Commissioner

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2025 – The National Oilseed Processors Association and Corn Refiners Association released a statement following incorrect and misleading comments from Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary. In an interview, Makary said about seed oils: “generally, they’re believed to be pro-inflammatory,” a disparaging comment that goes against the weight of the established science.

“We support the Trump Administration’s underlying goals to improve public health, so it is unfortunate to see officials offer misguided comments that go against current understanding of the scientific evidence. Seed oils are not inflammatory as demonstrated by large population studies as well as human intervention studies. Seed oils have been used in the global food supply for decades and are proven to be safe and nutritious ingredients for a variety of products. Remarks like those made today create unwarranted anxiety about the food supply and about safe and nutritious formula that benefits millions of infants globally.”

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies involving thousands of individuals followed for many years – and even decades – show seed oil intake, and the intake of the main type of fatty acid in seed oils, is linked with protection against chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Excessive intake of saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease, and seed oils are low in saturated fat. When saturated fat intake is too high, as is the case in the United States, health agencies throughout the world recommend replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat, and especially polyunsaturated fat, the predominant type of fat in seed oils.

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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.

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein and fiber. More information at www.CORN.org.

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