Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #121484

Michele Simon, JD, MPH, Center for Informed Food Choices, PO Box 16053, Oakland, CA 94610 and Jason Andrew Smith, MTS, JD, Public Health Advocacy Institute, 715 Boylston Street, 1st Fl., Boston, MA 02116, 617-867-7774, jasonsmith@phaionline.org.

Major food companies and fast food chains are coming under increasing public scrutiny in the wake of a growing national obesity epidemic, especially among children. Not taking the finger-pointing lying down, Big Food has set its PR machinery into overdrive. But behind empty promises of being "part of the solution" lies a trail of deception and lobbying that seriously undermine public health. For example, all over the country, state legislatures and school districts are attempting to rid schools of sugary sodas and junk foods. But major trade associations, such as the Grocery Manufacturers of America, are lobbying hard to stop any attempt to hinder their bottom line, no matter what the cost to children's health. This presentation will explain how the food industry relies on hardball tactics such as third-party front groups and powerful trade associations to lobby behind closed doors against nutrition policies. It will also translate corporate rhetoric and give specific tips on how to counter industry arguments.

Learning Objectives:

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.