Meet Michael R. Taylor, J.D., Deputy Commissioner for Foods
Michael R. Taylor was named deputy commissioner for foods at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2010. He is the first individual to hold the position, which was created along with a new Office of Foods in August 2009.
Mr. Taylor is leading FDA efforts to
develop and carry out a prevention-based strategy for food safety
plan for new food safety legislation
ensure that food labels contain clear and accurate information on nutrition
"I am fully committed to working with my FDA colleagues to make the changes necessary to ensure the safety of America’s food supply from farm to table," said Mr. Taylor.
"We look forward to working in new ways within FDA and with partners in other government agencies, the consumer community, and the food industry to tackle the important challenges – and the unprecedented opportunities – we currently face."
Mr. Taylor received his law degree from the University of Virginia and his B.A. degree in political science from Davidson College.
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OC/OfficeofFoods/ucm196721.htmHis client list included Monsanto -- a chemical giant trying to get FDA, Taylor's old agency, to approve a genetically-engineered growth hormone called BGH. This synthetic hormone would be injected into cows to force more milk out of them. Problem is, not every parent wants their kids drinking milk spiced with antibiotics and extra hormones. But Monsanto, with Taylor's help, got FDA to go along. Now that their drug was approved, there was the testy matter of keeping consumers from knowing which carton contains Monsanto's Mystery Milk, since most folks don't want to buy it.
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