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The Coca-Cola company tried to manipulate current health guidelines
Is it possible that a world-renowned manufacturer of soft drinks is trying to influence current health policies to increase its profits? The answer to this question seems to have to be answered with a clear "yes". A published e-mail correspondence from former Coca-Cola executives now showed that such interference was actually taking place.
As part of the so-called freedom of information, an e-mail traffic was disclosed by executives at Coca-Cola. It was clear that beverage company executives seemed to be trying to influence health policies to sell more drinks. Experts from Deakin University analyzed these emails and published the results in a press release.
Coca-Cola executives seemingly attempted to influence Australia's health policy in 2015 to maximize their product earnings. (Image: tiverylucky / fotolia.com) Coca-Cola tried to influence scientific evidence and expert opinions
Analysis of the email correspondence of Coca-Cola executives by researchers from Deakin University in Melbourne revealed that Coca-Cola is impacting on health care policy. The addressed e-mails were already written in 2015. By a request in the course of freedom of information, the scientists obtained the incriminating e-mails. These emails showed a conscious and coordinated approach by Coca-Cola for influencing health and nutrition guidelines. An attempt was made to influence, for example, scientific evidence and expert opinions, says author Gary Sacks of the Deakin School of Health and Social Development.
Coca-Cola's tactics endanger international efforts against obesity
"The tactics outlined in this communication between a former vice president of Global Scientific and Regulatory Affairs and a former senior vice president at Coca-Cola pose a significant risk to international efforts to address key public health issues such as obesity" says Gary Sacks. Especially companies that sell unhealthy foods and benefit from their sale play a very important role in the prevention of obesity (obesity). This creates a strong conflict of interest for companies, especially when scientific evidence and government policies are actually directed against the consumption of unhealthy foods.
How do big companies influence scientific evidence??
The tactics and procedures published in the e-mails are similarly used by tobacco or alcohol producers, the researchers explain. But how does an influence on scientific evidence actually work? For example, researchers on behalf of the company are developing their own "evidence" for the development of obesity. This can be done either through commissioned studies and studies, or through the influence of external organizations, the experts further explain.
Employees are placed in scientific and medical institutions
Another way of influencing is the company's own positioning in scientific and medical institutions. For example, those affected use their employment in influential scientific institutions and medical associations. Thus, these people can influence the results in conversations and discussions and manipulate these in favor of the interests of the company, the researchers say.
Even contacts with politicians can lead to influence
Of course, there are other ways to influence others, such as building relationships with policymakers and opinion leaders in today's society. Through such contact, even greater co-operation with key members of government and business can be achieved. The contacts can then be used again to influence public debates.
The food industry is trying to use politicians, researchers and physicians as tools
"The public health community and the medical community need to be aware that some people in the food industry see them as tools that can prevent them from potentially affecting their profits," explains author. Sacks in the press release. The current study highlights the importance of identifying and managing potential conflicts of interest among professional institutions, scientific societies and policymakers, the expert adds. (As)