Topic: Institute Of Medicine

The FDA is considering new regulations on salt intake following recommendations from the Institute of Medicine (IOM). PepsiCo, owner of Lay's potato chips, has reportedly developed a hollow salt crystal to maintain flavor while reducing actual sodium content. The hosts question the scientific consensus on salt's health risks and criticize the move toward government-mandated dietary restrictions.

Professor Marie McCormick, chair of a federal vaccine safety advisory committee, is criticized for her past work with the Institute of Medicine. Her previous reports concluded there was no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, leading to accusations that she is a "shill" for the pharmaceutical industry. The hosts argue that such panels lack true independence due to deep ties between researchers and drug companies.