Lobbying against sugar taxation in the European Union: Analysing the lobbying arguments and tactics of stakeholders in the food and drink industries

Aims: This study investigates the lobbying actors of the food and drink industry (FDI), their web lobbying arguments used in the sugar taxation debate and the tactics deployed when facing legislative restrictions on their products to curb the burden of non-communicable diseases in Europe. Methods: A stakeholder analysis was performed to identify the FDI’s actors lobbying against sugar taxation within the EU Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health during December 2015. Qualitative content analysis was applied to assess the FDI’s web lobbying claims related to three main concepts (sugar as a product, sugar’s association with non-communicable diseases and sugar taxation), guided by a framework for corporate political activity. Results: The web site content of a front organization and six FDI lobbyists was analysed. Some new strategies emerged alongside known corporate strategies (‘questioning the effectiveness of regulation and promoting benefits of a withdrawal’, ‘promoting sugar’s good traits and shift the blame away from it’ and ‘establishing relationships with trade unions’). The lobby tactics were similar to those previously applied by the tobacco industry in Europe, although the argument that sugar is a natural ingredient in many foods was unique to the FDI. Conclusions: The observed tactics and arguments presented by the FDI in opposition to sugar taxation have striking similarities with those previously used by the tobacco industry. An improved understanding of the stakeholders’ mandate and resources and their most important tactics will strengthen the position of public health experts when debating sugar taxation with the FDI, which may contribute to improving population health.

Download Full-text

The case for developing a cohesive systems approach to research across unhealthy commodity industries

BMJ Global Health ◽

10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003543 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. e003543

Author(s):

Cécile Knai ◽

Mark Petticrew ◽

Simon Capewell ◽

Rebecca Cassidy ◽

Jeff Collin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Policy ◽

Public Health Policy ◽

Systems Approach ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Political Activity ◽

Processed Food ◽

Corporate Political Activity ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Food And Drink

ObjectivesMost non-communicable diseases are preventable and largely driven by the consumption of harmful products, such as tobacco, alcohol, gambling and ultra-processed food and drink products, collectively termed unhealthy commodities. This paper explores the links between unhealthy commodity industries (UCIs), analyses the extent of alignment across their corporate political strategies, and proposes a cohesive systems approach to research across UCIs.MethodsWe held an expert consultation on analysing the involvement of UCIs in public health policy, conducted an analysis of business links across UCIs, and employed taxonomies of corporate political activity to collate, compare and illustrate strategies employed by the alcohol, ultra-processed food and drink products, tobacco and gambling industries.ResultsThere are clear commonalities across UCIs’ strategies in shaping evidence, employing narratives and framing techniques, constituency building and policy substitution. There is also consistent evidence of business links between UCIs, as well as complex relationships with government agencies, often allowing UCIs to engage in policy-making forums. This knowledge indicates that the role of all UCIs in public health policy would benefit from a common approach to analysis. This enables the development of a theoretical framework for understanding how UCIs influence the policy process. It highlights the need for a deeper and broader understanding of conflicts of interests and how to avoid them; and a broader conception of what constitutes strong evidence generated by a wider range of research types.ConclusionUCIs employ shared strategies to shape public health policy, protecting business interests, and thereby contributing to the perpetuation of non-communicable diseases. A cohesive systems approach to research across UCIs is required to deepen shared understanding of this complex and interconnected area and also to inform a more effective and coherent response.

Download Full-text

How to tackle the growing problem of type 2 diabetes in the European Union?

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1272 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

N M Mahrouseh ◽

D W Njuguna ◽

O A Varga

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

European Union ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Health Determinants ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

The European Union ◽

Member States ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

The Eu

Abstract Background There is an alerting increase in the population affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the European Union (EU) with significant socioeconomic burden. According to an estimation by the International Diabetes Federation, by 2030, the total number of diabetic patients will be 38 million in EU. The “screen and treat” strategies that predominantly applied in policies to prevent T2DM have not achieved significant success, as reported by a large systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2017. Although the member states of the EU have almost full responsibilities for actions in the field of health, the EU has to tackle non-communicable diseases by targeting health determinants and lifestyle mostly through non-binding policies. The goal of this work is to review the T2DM prevention policies in the EU and compare with tobacco policies, from a legal perspective. Methods Following the systematic search and screening of policies from EUR-lex, a content analysis was carried out by using MonQcle as publicly available legal text document analysis platform, by two coders. The search was limited for regulations, directives and white papers. Results Our data collection consisted of 19 documents including 10 regulations, 6 directives and 3 white papers with relevance to T2DM, covering the following topics: health infrastructure and services, informational policies, economic policies, environmental policies, command and control and social policies. The identified policies covered the time frame of 1972 to 2020. Diabetes was targeted as part of non-communicable diseases. None of the policies was legally binding addressing T2DM directly which is in sharp contrast to the tobacco control policies in the EU. Conclusions T2DM, in fact, is largely preventable. EU institutions should consider to reframe T2DM prevention strategies and consider applying a wide range of population-level legislative and innovative actions to prevent T2DM e.g. taxes on unhealthy food products. Key messages T2DM is a largely preventable disease, effective legal tools should be created and applied matching the scale of such public health problem. T2DM policies of the EU may be subject to change due to additional value of actions taken by the EU compared to that could have been achieved by member states alone.

Download Full-text

National responses to HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases in developing countries: analysis of strategic parallels and differences

Journal of Public Health Research ◽

10.4081/jphr.2014.99 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Tilahun Nigatu Haregu ◽

Geoffrey Setswe ◽

Julian Elliott ◽

Brian Oldenburg

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Coordination Mechanism ◽

Comparative Case Study ◽

Multiple Sources ◽

Strategic Information ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Study Approach ◽

Hiv Aids

HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) epidemics may have many important similarities in their aetiology, pathogenesis and management. Evidence about the similarities and differences between the national responses HIV/AIDS and NCDs is essential for an integrated response. The objective of this study was to examine the parallels and differences between national responses to HIV/AIDS and NCDs in selected developing countries. This study applied a strategic level comparative case study approach as its study design. The main construct was national response to HIV/AIDS and NCDs. The 4 overarching themes were policy response, institutional mechanism, programmatic response and strategic information. Four countries were purposively selected as cases. Data were collected and triangulated from a multiple sources. The focus of analysis included identifying items for comparison, characteristics to be compared, degrees of similarity, and strategic importance of similarities. Analysis of data was qualitative content analysis with within-case, between-case, and across-case comparisons. While the nature of the disease and the contents of national HIV/AIDS and NCD policies are different, the policy processes involved are largely similar. Functional characteristics of programmatic response to HIV/AIDS and NCDs are similar. But the internal constituents are different. Though both HIV and NCDs require both a multi-sectorial response and a national coordination mechanism, the model and the complexity of the coordination are different. Strategic information frameworks for HIV/AIDS and NCDs use similar models. However, the indicators, targets and priorities are different. In conclusion, the national responses between HIV/AIDS and NCDs are largely similar in approaches and functions but different in content.

Download Full-text

The financial burden of non-communicable diseases in the European Union: a systematic review

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz073 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (4) ◽

pp. 833-839 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Désirée Vandenberghe ◽

Johan Albrecht

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Health Care ◽

European Union ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Health Policies ◽

The European Union ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Public Health Policies ◽

The Eu

Abstract Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) impose a significant and growing burden on the health care system and overall economy of developed (and developing) countries. Nevertheless, an up-to-date assessment of this cost for the European Union (EU) is missing from the literature. Such an analysis could however have an important impact by motivating policymakers and by informing effective public health policies. Methods Following the PRISMA protocol, we conduct a systematic review of electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection) and collect scientific articles that assess the direct (health care-related) and indirect (economic) costs of four major NCDs (cardiovascular disease, cancer, type-2 diabetes mellitus and chronic respiratory disease) in the EU, between 2008 and 2018. Data quality was assessed through the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results We find 28 studies that match our criteria for further analysis. From our review, we conclude that the four major NCDs in the EU claim a significant share of the total health care budget (at least 25% of health spending) and they impose an important economic loss (almost 2% of gross domestic product). Conclusion The NCD burden forms a public health risk with a high financial impact; it puts significant pressure on current health care and economic systems, as shown by our analysis. We identify a further need for cost analyses of NCDs, in particular on the impact of comorbidities and other complications. Aside from cost estimations, future research should focus on assessing the mix of public health policies that will be most effective in tackling the NCD burden.

Download Full-text

REVIEW ON AYURVEDA CONCEPTS ON THE REGIMEN OF FOOD AND DRINK CONSUMPTION

AYUSHDHARA ◽

10.47070/ayushdhara.v8i2.721 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 3229-3236

Author(s):

Nanayakkara Vidanagamage Yasangi Diloopa ◽

Edirimuni Rodrigo Hathishiya Sujatha Silva Ediriweera

Keyword(s):

Food Consumption ◽

Proper Time ◽

Modern Science ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Journal Articles ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Wide Range ◽

Before And After ◽

Food And Drink ◽

Determinant Factor

This is a review conducted with the objectives of evolving the concepts of the regimens of the food consumption according to the Ayurveda. In comparison to the past decades, non communicable diseases are a burden to the present society. Non-healthy patterns and practices of the food consumption are proven as a major determinant factor to increase the non-communicable diseases. This has been proven by various studies. Hence, it is important to identify the healthy pattern and practices of food consumption. This review is based on the textual references in relation to Ayurveda medicine and journal articles. Ayurveda medicine which provided wide range of spectrum in food consumption, fulfilled with wholesome and non wholesome way of arrangement in the kitchen, qualities of the person who prepares the meals, methods of preparing meals, methods of offering the meal, way of selecting the meal, determining the quantity of food that is liable to be consumed, proper time for consuming food, things that should and should not be done before and after consuming meals, codes and ethics during the food consumption with conceptual justification based on the Ayurveda medicine. Some of these facts are proven by the modern science also. This knowledge can be utilized as a solution for the prevailing health burden in non-communicable diseases with a more advanced and scientific way.

Download Full-text

THE COST OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION; A FUTURE PROJECTION

Proceedings of the 50th International Academic Conference, Paris ◽

10.20472/iac.2019.050.036 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Désirée Vandenberghe ◽

Johan Albrecht

Keyword(s):

European Union ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

The European Union ◽

Future Projection ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

The Cost

Download Full-text

Corporations in global health: an investigation of food industry political activity at the WHO

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1245 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

K Lauber ◽

H Rutter ◽

D McGee ◽

A B Gilmore

Keyword(s):

Food Industry ◽

Tobacco Industry ◽

Communicable Disease ◽

Political Activity ◽

World Health ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Global Level ◽

Corporate Political Activity ◽

Political Behaviour ◽

Country Level

Abstract Background With over ten million annual deaths now attributable to unhealthy diets, there is an urgent need for action, yet, political progress is too slow. Policy interference by major corporations is well documented in the area of tobacco control. Evidence shows similar behaviours by the food industry at country level, but global-level policymaking remains under-researched. Thus, this study explores how food industry actors seek to influence dietary non-communicable disease (NCD) policy at the World Health Organization (WHO). Methods We identified relevant industry documents from the Food Industry Documents Library and academic articles, using these initial findings and an existing model of corporate political activity as the basis for sixteen key informant interviews. Key industry strategies were identified in an iterative process of qualitative thematic coding. Additionally, food industry responses to five WHO consultations on NCD policy and governance (2015-2018) were analysed to explore how evidence was used. Results Food industry actors have substantial access to the WHO through formal routes. These interactions largely take place through business associations rather than individual companies, owing at least partly to the agency's own guidelines. Food industry actors can also access global-level policymaking indirectly, for example, by lobbying national political actors to adopt favourable positions in member state-led WHO decision-making, or by co-opting civil society. In consultation responses, the majority of evidence cited by commercial actors was either industry-linked or industry-funded, and less than half was peer-reviewed. Conclusions Focusing on the WHO's NCD agenda, we provide new insights into the ways food industry actors seek to influence global public health policy. Although their political behaviour bears similarities with that of the tobacco industry, multinational food companies are, in contrast, widely treated as part of the solution. Key messages By mapping how food industry actors seek to shape WHO policy, this research adds to evidence from national contexts and highlights a need for better safeguards across levels of governance. While the tobacco industry is prohibited from engagement with global NCD policy, multinational food corporations enjoy significant access and legitimacy, despite similarities in political behaviour.

Download Full-text

Public health and the ultra-processed food and drink products industry: corporate political activity of major transnationals in Latin America and the Caribbean

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980019000417 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (10) ◽

pp. 1898-1908 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Mélissa Mialon ◽

Fabio da Silva Gomes

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Latin America ◽

Health Policies ◽

Political Activity ◽

Processed Food ◽

Corporate Political Activity ◽

Public Health Policies ◽

The Caribbean ◽

Food And Drink ◽

The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo identify examples of the ‘corporate political activity’ (CPA) of the industry producing and selling ultra-processed food and drink products (UPP) in Latin America and the Caribbean.DesignSearches were conducted on the national websites and social media accounts of large industry actors. Coding was deductive and based on a framework for classifying the CPA of the food industry.SettingFifteen countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.ParticipantsTwelve members of the International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA) and major trade associations and chambers of commerce in the region.ResultsDuring the current pilot study, more than 200 examples of CPA were found in Latin America and the Caribbean. The UPP industry lobbied governments during the development of national health policies. UPP companies tried to build alliances with health professionals, but also with communities where they operated and with policy makers. In addition, the UPP industry fought against regulation in court and proposed weaker alternatives to public health policies, such as self-regulation.ConclusionsFood systems in low- and middle-income countries, including in Latin America and the Caribbean, are increasingly penetrated by the UPP industry. These countries are at risk of being influenced by the CPA strategies described in the present study. There is a need to further identify, monitor and evaluate the impact of these CPA strategies on public health policies and public opinion in the region, in order to develop mechanisms to effectively prevent such interference.

Download Full-text

The Empowerment of Integrated Development Post of Non-Communicable Diseases in Efforts to Prevent and Control Non- Communicable Diseases

International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS) ◽

10.11591/.v5i3.4799 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 294 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yandrizal Yandrizal ◽

Rizanda Machmud ◽

Melinda Noer ◽

Hardisman Hardisman ◽

Afrizal Afrizal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infectious Disease ◽

Stakeholder Analysis ◽

Health Department ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Combination Method ◽

Family Welfare ◽

Integrated Development ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

The People ◽

And Control

Non-Communicable disease has already been the main cause of death in many countries, as many as 57 million death in the world in 2008, 36 million (63%) is because of un-infectious disease, specifically heart illness, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases. Prevention and controlling efforts of un-infectious diseases developing in Indonesia is non-communicable disease integrated development post (Pospindu PTM). This research used combination method approach with exploratory design. Exploratory design with sequential procedure used combination consecutively, the first is qualitative and the second is quantitative method. Public Health Center formed Posbindu PTM has not disseminate yet to all stakeholders. Posbindu PTM members felt benefit by following this activity. Some of them did not know follow the activity because of unknown about it. There was connection between coming behavior to Posbindu PTM to preventing behavior of non-communicable disease.Percentage for high blood pressure risk indicated 20-25% from all visitors. Formulation of its policy implementation started with stakeholder analysis; head of sub district, head of urban village, head of health department in regency/city, head of public health service, head of neighborhood Association, and the head of family welfare development. Analysis of perception, power and authority found that every stakeholder had authority to manage the member directly or indirectly. It was not implemented because of the lack knowledge of stakeholders about the Posbindu PTM function.They would play a role after knowing the aim and advantage of the post by motivate the people to do early detection, prevention and control the non-communicable disease. The members were given wide knowledge about early detection, preventing and control the un-infectious disease, measuring and checking up their healthy continuously so that keep feeling the advantage of coming to the post.

Download Full-text

Non-communicable diseases in Latin America: a case study of Latin American tobacco control diplomacy

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1125 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

M Carballo

Keyword(s):

Latin America ◽

Global Health ◽

Tobacco Control ◽

Tobacco Industry ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Regional Level ◽

Global Health Diplomacy ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Health Diplomacy

Abstract Background This research emphasizes on better understanding what is leading Latin America to collaborate on tackling Non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The uniqueness of this research lays on analysing the case of tobacco control diplomacy in the region, from a multi-actor and multi-level diplomacy approach in global health. By doing so, it addresses the existent research gap on academic literature focusing on NCDs in Latin America and global health diplomacy. Methods The research is framed within a qualitative approach to global health. It includes both primary and secondary sources, with a geographical focus in Latin America. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of key global health actors. Results The process of addressing NCDs in Latin America has highlighted several challenges including: the difficulty to achieve awareness of the urgency of NCDs, while countering the tobacco industry interference in public health.the limited funding for the initiatives seeking to tackle NCDs in the region vs the financial and political power of the industry.the limited comprehensive approach to NCDs, that goes beyond risk factors to address NCDs as a whole issue. Conclusions The analysis shows that tobacco control has been a pioneer in global health diplomacy on NCDs in Latin America. Furthermore, it has portrayed a leadership role of Latin America and an increasing tendency to collaborate at regional level. The recommendations that arise are: There is a need to regulate products as alcohol and ultra-processed food in Latin America following the examples set by the successful regional tobacco control efforts.There is a need to expose tobacco industry interference in public health, since it undermines regional efforts to tackle NCDs.There is a need for regional NCDs efforts to focus on the diversity of global health actors involved.It is imperative to collaborate on NCDs at regional level, given the escalating economic burden of NCDs Key messages The focus is analysing the challenges that Latin America faces when addressing NCDs, from a global health diplomacy perspective. The case study of tobacco control diplomacy contributes to better understand the factors that have been leading up to regionally collaborate on NCDs.

Download Full-text