The appointment of a junk food lobbyist as USDA Chief of Staff raises concerns about industry influence in government.
At a Glance
- Kailee Tkacz Buller, a former seed oil lobbyist, appointed as USDA Chief of Staff
- Appointment contradicts administration’s goal to “Make America Healthy Again”
- Critics express concerns over potential industry influence on food policies
- Controversy highlights debate over seed oils’ health impacts and farm subsidies
The appointment of Kailee Tkacz Buller as the incoming Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Buller, known for her background in lobbying for the junk food industry, particularly seed oils, will serve under Secretary-Designate Brooke Rollins. This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked intense debate about the potential for industry influence within governmental operations.
Buller’s professional history includes roles with organizations such as the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), Edible Oil Producers Association (EOPA), SNAC International, and the Corn Refiners Association. Critics argue that this background directly contradicts the administration’s stated goal to “Make America Healthy Again” by reducing corporate influence in food and medicine regulation.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voters who placed their faith in the newly-inaugurated President are, understandably, deflated…
So who has said something about it so far? Well, several prominent figures have spoken out against Buller’s appointment. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and author Max Lugavere have expressed deep reservations about Buller’s ties to the seed oil industry. Lugavere, known for his work on nutrition and health, described the appointment as “Not the best of news,” Lugavere said.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of seed oils, has condemned them as contributors to obesity and chronic disease. He has also criticized what he terms the “corporate capture” of regulatory agencies. Kennedy’s team reportedly preferred Rep. Massie for the USDA Secretary role and viewed Buller’s appointment as contrary to the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
The controversy surrounding Buller’s appointment has also reignited discussions about the health impacts of seed oils. Nutrition expert Nina Teicholz has called for a re-examination of seed oils’ safety status, citing their chemical instability and potential health risks.
“Seed oil is chemically unstable. Its fatty acids degrade into oxidation products such as free radicals and degraded triglycerides. In one analysis, 130 volatile compounds were isolated from a piece of fried chicken, and these oxidation products can pass through the blood-brain barrier. Seed oils degrade and oxidize even at room temperature, but heat accelerates the process, making frying especially hazardous… Yet, public health institutions remain staunch supporters,” Teicholz said.
Well…that’s not good.
Is this 4D chess or just…a really bad decision?