health
Why are ultra-processed food firms panicking and suing? Because they know time is running out
As the harm caused by their products becomes more evident, manufacturers are resorting to denial and lawsuits to keep regulation at bay
TL;DR
- Consuming ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is linked to serious illnesses like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
- The food industry, similar to tobacco and fossil fuel companies, denies the harm caused by UPFs and uses lawsuits to delay government action.
- Since 2010, food and lobby groups have filed 235 lawsuits against governments globally, with top brands like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Mondelēz leading the cases.
- This litigation strategy costs countries billions in healthcare and legal expenses and deters governments from implementing vital health protections.
- UPFs constitute half the average diet in many countries, contributing to a global obesity crisis affecting over 1 billion people.
- The economic model of UPF production relies on cheap, subsidized commodity crops, which are stripped of nutrients and reconstituted with additives.
- The industry's opposition to regulations is evident in lawsuits against countries like Brazil and Mexico, and cases like Kellogg's legal challenge in the UK.
- Governments could shift agricultural subsidies from commodity crops to local production of fruits and vegetables.
- Incremental changes, such as curbs on promotion and clearer labeling, are effective, as shown by the industry's costly litigation against them.