Deakin University
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Understanding the corporate political activity of the ultra - processed food industry in East Asia: a Philippines case study

Version 2 2024-06-05, 02:15
Version 1 2023-05-19, 05:59
journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-05, 02:15 authored by O Huse, Erica ReeveErica Reeve, P Zambrano, Colin BellColin Bell, Anna PeetersAnna Peeters, Gary SacksGary Sacks, P Baker, Kathryn BackholerKathryn Backholer
Abstract Background Evidence is mounting that the ultra - processed food industry seeks to influence food and nutrition policies in ways that support market growth and protect against regulatory threats, often at the expense of public health. However, few studies have explored how this occurs in lower - middle income countries. We aimed to explore if and how the ultra - processed food industry seeks to influence food- and nutrition - related policy processes in the Philippines, a lower - middle income country in East Asia. Methods Semi - structured key informant interviews were conducted with ten representatives from the Philippines government and non - government organisations closely involved with nutrition policy making in the Philippines. Interview schedules and data analysis were guided by the policy dystopia model, which we used to identify the instrumental and discursive strategies used by corporate actors to influence policy outcomes. Results Informants were of the view that ultra - processed food companies in the Philippines sought to delay, prevent, water - down and circumvent implementation of globally recommended food and nutrition policies by engaging in a range of strategies. Discursive strategies included various tactics in which globally recommended policies were framed as being ineffective or highlighting potential unintended negative impacts. Instrumental strategies included: directly engaging with policymakers; promoting policies, such as industry - led codes and practices, as substitutes for mandatory regulations; presenting evidence and data that industry has generated themselves; and offering gifts and financial incentives to government individuals and agencies. Conclusions In the Philippines, the ultra - processed food industry engaged in overt activities designed to influence food and nutrition policy processes in their favour. A range of measures to minimise industry influence on policy processes should be introduced, to ensure that implemented food and nutrition policies align with best practice recommendations.

History

Journal

Globalization and Health

Volume

19

Article number

ARTN 16

Pagination

1-16

Location

London, Eng.

ISSN

1744-8603

eISSN

1744-8603

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Issue

1

Publisher

BMC

Usage metrics

    Research Publications

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC