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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Michele Simon, JD, MPH, Center for Informed Food Choices, PO Box 16053, Oakland, CA 94610, 510-465-0322, michele@informedeating.org

Due to the failure of the federal government and most major food companies to adequately address the obesity epidemic, some nutrition advocates are turning to litigation as a last resort. Litigation has proven to be an important public health tool in other arenas such tobacco control. Yet there are many misconceptions related to food and nutrition lawsuits, perpetuated by both industry and the media. These include the notion that people are "blaming companies for making them fat", that the lawsuits are being brought by "greedy trial lawyers", and that an avalanche of lawsuits is “clogging the court system.” None of these concepts is even close to the truth. The food industry is currently engaged in a major disinformation campaign as part of its effort to pass legislation to shield itself from legal liability. So far, bills to accomplish this goal have been passed in 21 states. This presentation will set the record straight about nutrition-related litigation and explain why litigation is so important.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to

• Recognize the most important myths related to obesity litigation
• Evaluate framing messages regarding litigation to deflect the truth
• Understand why litigation is an essential public health tool in nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered