• Bryan Johnson plans to test 20% of foods that make up 80% of the American diet for toxins and contaminants.
  • The project aims to create a public database where people can donate to have specific foods tested.
  • The initiative connects to Johnson's broader "Don't Die" philosophy that ties human longevity to emerging AI capabilities.

Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, founder of the "Don't Die" movement, announced plans to create a comprehensive analysis of America's food supply through what he calls "foodome sequencing" during his SXSW presentation on Thursday.

"We're going to sequence the U.S. 'foodome,' which means test 20% of foods that constitute 80% of the American diet based on stuff we eat every day," Johnson told a packed audience in Austin.

The initiative aims to create a public database where people can donate money to have specific foods and brands tested for contaminants including heavy metals and microplastics.

Johnson believes this transparency will pressure brands to eliminate toxins from their products.

"I want to be real with you. It's just very, very hard to buy clean food," he said, arguing that even organic brands may contain harmful substances from processing methods.

The former Braintree and Kernel CEO has gained notoriety for extreme anti-aging measures, including transfusing blood with his teenage son and undergoing shock therapy for erectile function, which he claims correlates with overall health.

Johnson's latest venture connects to his broader philosophy that humanity may be "the first generation that doesn't have to die," particularly with the emergence of artificial intelligence.

He suggested aligning AI with human longevity goals rather than profit motives.

"The human race would be wise to repurpose its objectives [around AI and] away from money at any cost to 'Don't Die,'" he said.

Critics, including longevity scientist Dr. Andrew Steele, argue that genetics play a larger role in determining lifespan than Johnson's extreme interventions and that death remains an essential part of the human experience.

Undeterred, Johnson continues promoting his "Blueprint Protocol" lifestyle formula alongside his own supplement and food line – including an olive oil brand ironically named "Snake Oil."

Edited by Annette George