Correcting conflicts of interest: How to address food and beverage industry donations to universities and hospitals

Background: Food companies and their philanthropic organizations provide donations to various institutions, including universities, hospitals, and health-professional organizations. By partnering with well-respected research and health organizations, food companies can improve their public image and open new channels for indirect marketing. Similar tactics have been employed by the tobacco industry prior to legislative action.

Methods: Researchers conducted an online search of university websites and hospitals in the U.S. to capture media coverage relating to food and beverage corporate donations.

Data were analyzed to quantify the number of universities and hospitals who received donations from major food or beverage companies.

Results:  Millions of dollars have been donated to various universities, hospitals, and health-related organizations since the year 2000. Researchers identified 30 examples of donations that ranged from $25,000 (Coca Cola) to $40 million (Mars Inc.). Coca-Cola and Pepsi accounted for 90% of the donations to universities and hospitals in the sample.

Discussion:  Food and beverage companies donate millions of dollars to universities and hospitals, creating a problematic conflict of interest that could affect public health research and practice.