- A new study has confirmed that Coke and Pepsi have funded 96 U.S. health groups in the past five years.
- The beneficiaries include the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Diabetes Association and the U.S. Government.
- Is it any surprise that these groups have publicly opposed a sugar tax?
The conspiracy theories about Big Food are no longer just theories. As a new report reveals the sugar industry paid scientists to demonise fat back in the 1960s, another study confirms the soda industry’s sponsorship of U.S. health groups.
The findings reveal 96 U.S. health organisations accepted money from Coca-Cola and Pepsi in the past five years. The shocking list includes big names like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Diabetes Association, Harvard Medical School and no less than five government-owned groups.
If that wasn’t dodgy enough, many of the companies have remained silent, withdrawn support or actively opposed health legislation like GMO labelling, junk food marketing guidelines and a sugary drinks tax. One group, Save The Children, suddenly stopped promoting a sugar tax after receiving more than $5 million ($6.5 million AUD) from Coke and Pepsi in 2009.
Recently, Big Soda has also been scrutinised for anti sugar tax tweets sent out by health experts (with some very vague, weak attempts at disclosure). How much more evidence do we need before we recognise the huge influence these food industries have over public health?
Should health organisations be allowed to accept money from Big Food companies?
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