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. 2024 Jun 9:35:100794.
doi: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100794. eCollection 2024 Jul.

Analysis of public records of lobbying practices of the ultra-processed sugary food and drink industries in Chile: a qualitative study

Yanela Aravena-Rivas  1 , Anja Heilmann  1 , Richard G Watt  1 , Tom Broomhead  2 , Georgios Tsakos  1
Affiliations

Analysis of public records of lobbying practices of the ultra-processed sugary food and drink industries in Chile: a qualitative study

Yanela Aravena-Rivas et al. Lancet Reg Health Am. .

Abstract

Background: Given the role of commercial determinants on sugar consumption and health, this study aimed to describe lobbying practices of the ultra-processed sugary food and drinks industries in Chile between 2014 and 2022.

Methods: Official meetings between ultra-processed sugary food and drinks industries and related commercial actors and Chilean government officials were obtained from the Chilean Lobby Registry. Relevant commercial names were initially identified based on their market share and expanded iteratively based on information from relevant meetings. Qualitative analysis followed a deductive-inductive approach using the Corporate Political Activity Model to identify and classify objectives, framing and action strategies.

Findings: From 237 records identified, the Ministries of Health, Social Development, and Economy were the most frequently lobbied. Industry representatives sought to achieve their short- and long-term objectives by targeting a diverse range of authorities, including Ministers and Under-secretaries, using different strategies. Framing strategies focused on presenting sugary food and drinks industries as socially responsible and legitimate policy actors and criticised public health initiatives as 'bad solutions'. Action strategies aimed to influence policymaking and nurture corporate reputations.

Interpretation: Extensive lobbying took place by the sugary food and drinks industries between 2014 and 2022, a period when major public health policies were being discussed in Chile. Lobbying strategies varied to meet industry objectives and targeted a diverse range of government institutions including high-ranking officials. Tighter regulations to stop inappropriate industry influence in public health policymaking are urgently required.

Funding: Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (Chile)-PhD Scholarship. University College London-Open Access fees.

Keywords: Chile; Commercial determinants of health; Health policy; Lobbying; Sugar.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors declare no competing interests. This study will be part of a PhD thesis. YA's PhD studies are funded by ANID (Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo—Chile)—Scholarship ID 72210219 while funding to cover article publication fees is provided by UCL. None of those institutions had any influence over the research undertaken. GT declares annual honoraria unrelated to this research as an associate editor of the Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology Journal and Chair of the Platform for Better Oral Health in Europe (2019–2023).

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Timeline of key public health policies to create healthier food systems implemented Chile.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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