FDA Commissioner Raises Unfounded Alarm Over Seed Oils in Infant Formula

In recent months, Dr. Marty Makary, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner, has intensified previously unfounded worries surrounding the safety of seed oils—part of the vegetable oils used in infant formulas. He asserted on June 4 in a “Fox & Friends” segment that seed oils are "generally believed to be pro-inflammatory," despite a lack of scientific evidence linking these oils to adverse effects in infants' diets. On June 6, he further vilified seed oils alongside other formula components as contaminants, asserting that parents desire formulas devoid of these oils and additional sugars. Experts in infant nutrition have countered Dr. Makary’s claims, stressing there is no proof that infant formulas without seed oils are healthier. They underscore the need for these oils as sources of essential fatty acids for infants, who require a high-fat diet at this crucial stage of development. The FDA is exploring updates to nutrition standards, yet concerns about seed oils remain unsubstantiated.