In a revealing interview, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former FDA commissioner appointed by Donald Trump, has disclosed his peculiar snacking habit while taking aim at artificial food dyes, branding them a significant public health concern.
Gottlieb, who led the US Food and Drug Administration from 2017 to 2019, admitted to consuming an unconventional snack daily: a mix of peanut butter and sardines. "It's an acquired taste," he quipped, "but the protein keeps me going."
The MAHA War on Food Additives
The ex-regulator didn't hold back when discussing artificial food colourings, particularly those used in popular children's snacks and cereals. "We're seeing increasing evidence that these synthetic dyes may contribute to behavioural issues in kids," Gottlieb warned.
He revealed that during his tenure, the FDA had considered stricter regulations on food additives but faced intense lobbying from the food industry. "The MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) initiative pushed for cleaner labels, but we met fierce resistance," he explained.
Daily Challenges in Food Regulation
Gottlieb described the constant battle between public health priorities and corporate interests. "Every day brought new challenges," he said. "We'd see studies linking dyes to hyperactivity, then industry-funded research contradicting those findings."
The former commissioner advocated for:
- Clearer warning labels on products containing artificial dyes
- More independent research into food additives
- Gradual phasing out of certain synthetic colourings
While no longer in government, Gottlieb continues to campaign for food safety reforms, urging current regulators to "put children's health before corporate profits." His unusual dietary confession has sparked both amusement and serious discussion about America's food regulation policies.
