US Congress Confirms Martin Makary as FDA Commissioner and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as NIH Director

On March 25, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Marty Makary to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to head the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Dr. Makary, a surgeon and researcher at Johns Hopkins University, rose to prominence through his appearances on Fox News and other conservative platforms, where he voiced contrarian views during the COVID-19 pandemic. He questioned the necessity of masking and raised concerns about vaccinating young children, despite not opposing the COVID-19 vaccine. Makary has also been a vocal advocate for reducing overprescription, scrutinizing the use of pesticides in food production, and addressing the influence of pharmaceutical and insurance companies on healthcare policy.

According to FoodFix, Makary has a stronger record on food-related issues than any recent FDA commissioner. Unlike many of his predecessors, who had minimal food policy experience, Makary has written extensively on food allergies, nutrition, and antibiotic use in meat production. During his confirmation hearing, he emphasized the need for the FDA to reassess food additives, aligning with the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. Additionally, he expressed support for reforming school meal programs, despite their oversight falling under the USDA. Addressing concerns about potential staff reductions at the FDA, Makary assured senators that he would conduct an independent assessment of staffing needs, prioritizing efficiency without compromising the agency’s core mission. “I welcome input on efficiencies at the agency,” Makary stated. “At the same time, I want to make sure that the scientists, food inspectors, and staff central to the core mission of the agency have all the resources they need to do their job well.”

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, was also confirmed as NIH Director. He gained national attention as a critic of vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic and co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration in October 2020. The declaration argued that lockdowns were causing widespread and long-term harm, advocating for a more targeted approach to pandemic response.

Impact: These appointments could lead to stricter regulations on food additives and a reassessment of pharmaceutical practices, potentially influencing both the food industry and pharmaceutical sectors. The emphasis on reducing overprescription and examining the impact of pesticides suggests a shift in regulatory priorities.

Next Steps: Businesses in the food and pharmaceutical industries should closely monitor policy changes that may arise from these leadership shifts.