May 22, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Corn Refiners Association expressed disappointment in the sweeping Make America Healthy Again Commission Report and urged the commission to use better procedures to get better results. Upon review of the report, CRA President and CEO John Bode released the following statement:
“The American people were promised a process of radical transparency and stakeholder engagement. In the development of this important report, transparency and stakeholder engagement did not happen at all. This report sows mistrust and unfounded fear in our nation’s food system and undermines the hard work and critical contributions of America’s farmers and food producers. As we work to improve the health and nutrition of all Americans, the policies that govern and regulate food and agriculture – and support the millions of jobs that depend on it – must be rooted in truth and sound science.
“CRA is committed to the development of science- and risk-based policies that will improve public health while supporting the livelihoods of American farmers. We stand ready to work with the Commission, the Administration, members of Congress, and anyone who shares the commitment to nourishing our nation safely, responsibly, and with solutions firmly rooted in evidence. The American people deserve nothing less.”
BACKGROUND
While the report issues many criticisms of so-called “ultra-processed” foods, this sweeping categorization includes many nutrient dense, fiber rich foods that can help consumers enjoy a quality diet in a busy lifestyle. Different processing methods are utilized to promote shelf-stability, convenience, food safety, and fortification to provide essential nutrients.
There is clear scientific agreement that excessive caloric consumption relative to an individual’s activity level will lead to obesity. In several cases such as breads, protein bars, and instant oatmeal, additional processing can actually lower a food’s caloric impact.
The lack of stakeholder engagement in the drafting of this report also contributed to easily avoidable mistakes regarding common food ingredients.
Specifically, the report notes high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as if it were the leading source of added sugars, apparently oblivious to the fact that per capita consumption of HFCS has been declining for decades.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, between 2000-2023, per capita consumption of HFCS dropped 41%. Meanwhile, rates of obesity and diabetes went way up. To be specific, the obesity rate tracked by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention jumped from 30% to 40%; the CDC diabetes rate jumped from 9.7% to 15.8%.
The report also noted the role of seed oils in the American diet while failing to acknowledge their positive nutritional and economic impact.
Efforts to discourage the use of seed oils are without scientific basis. These edible oils produced from seeds play a significant and beneficial role in the U.S. and global food supply. For decades, these vegetable oils have been used globally, and human studies have shown their health benefits.
Observational studies consistently show that the consumption of edible oils produced from seeds such as corn, canola, and soybeans is associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality and several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Seed oils, which are high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fat, represent healthier alternatives to options higher in saturated fats.
A 2025 study showed a ban on the use of seed oils would cause the Consumer Price Index for fats and oils to increase by more than 28% and cost consumers $7.7 billion annually.
As the MAHA Commission works to develop the policy recommendations called for in the executive order that created the commission, CRA welcomes the opportunity to offer thoughtful feedback and serve as a resource in the group’s efforts to address obesity and chronic disease.
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About the Corn Refiners Association
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.