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Corporate political activity of the food industry in the development of food policies in Latin America and the Caribbean: a narrative review of the current literature

  • 0Latin American and Caribbean Nutrition and Health Community of Practice (COLANSA), São Paulo, Brasil.
Globalization and Health +

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August 26, 2025

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August 26, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The food industry in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) uses various strategies to obstruct public health policies. Addressing corporate political activity (CPA) is crucial for improving population health and nutrition across the region.

Area Of Science

  • Public Health
  • Nutrition Policy
  • Food Industry Analysis

Background

  • The food industry's commercial interests significantly shape the food environment in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
  • This dominance jeopardizes public health and nutrition initiatives in the region.
  • Understanding the food industry's influence is critical for effective policy-making.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To document the action strategies, mechanisms, and practices (ASMP) of corporate political activity (CPA).
  • To analyze how the food industry obstructs public health, food, and nutrition policies in LAC countries.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of industry tactics within the policy cycle.

Main Methods

  • A narrative review of publicly available scientific and grey literature from 33 LAC countries.
  • Data collection focused on the food industry's CPA within the health, food, and nutrition policy cycle.
  • Analysis applied frameworks for categorizing ASMP of CPA and the policy cycle model.

Main Results

  • 76 documents from 24 LAC countries (Jan 2018-Oct 2024) were analyzed, with most from Mexico and Brazil.
  • Front-of-pack labelling and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes were key policy areas targeted by CPA.
  • Accessing and influencing policymaking (90.8%) was the most frequent strategy, particularly during formulation, adoption, and implementation phases.

Conclusions

  • A wide range of ASMP were identified, despite limited public information in parts of LAC.
  • A multifaceted response is needed to counter the food industry's detrimental influence on public health.
  • Robust legal frameworks for conflict of interest and transparency are essential for healthier food environments.

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