The National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) and the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) have released a statement stating their disappointment at “inaccurate” comments made by Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary about seed oils.
In an interview, Makary was quoted as saying that seed oils were generally believed to be “pro-inflammatory”.
The commissioner’s comment went against the weight of established science, according to NOPA and the CRA.
“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,” the associations said in a joint statement on 4 June.
“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.”
NOPA represents the US soyabean, canola, flaxseed, safflower seed and sunflowerseed crushing industries. Its members crush approximately 2bn bushels/year for meal and oil which is used in the manufacturing of food, feed, renewable fuels and industrial products.
CRA is the national trade association representing the US corn refining industry.
