How did F&B giants become villains over govt’s scientist picks?

Eleven of the 17 UK government’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) have conflicts of interest with big food groups, a British Medical Journal investigation poses​ this week.

It goes on to say the group of scientists have influence and power over government decisions when mandating health policies, like how much salt, sugar or fat consumers should eat daily, for example.

There is, some comments in the report allude, a correlation between the scientists working for industry, advising government and increasing food-related health issues. This includes rising obesity rates among men and women, which the government and SACN have not done enough to combat.

'Dangers' of the food and drink industry's products

UPF poster boy Professor Chris van Tulleken also wades in with his warnings about the dangers of the sector’s foods. Even the ones that are “slightly less harmful” are dangerous, he says.

We can only assume these scientists are taking great big backhanders from the industry. They're in cahoots with and controlled by food and drink makers who are mandating that government must advocate consumers drink at least one can of full-sugar coke daily and eat ice cream for breakfast. Right..?

No. Not quite. Not even close.

The report’s own evidence breaks down the industry contact of the 11 scientists. Some have annual consultancy fees; others annual research grants; and some have lectured for companies or made an appearance on a podcast, among other things.

Most of those earning from the industry have one paid opportunity and just one of the scientists earns from three organisations.

Almost all are members of the American Society for Nutrition, which is funded by companies including Mars. But a recent paper on UPF from the ASN warns consumers of the category’s associated health risks. So hardly advocating consumers chow down on Pot Noodles three times a day.

Nutrition scientists' conflicts of interest

The conflicts of interest have been declared by the scientists. No one is hiding anything.

Also, the sector – especially in the UK – has worked at speed and scale to significantly reduce salt and sugar content. Companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have seen full-sugar soft drinks sales slump as they, through marketing government collaboration, turned up the volume on sugar-free.

There is a conspiracy to blame industry for rising obesity levels. Yes, the sector must accept a certain level of responsibility, but a better degree of education among consumers about diet and nutrition is also needed.

The UK’s government must invest more in nutrition science, as well as education. Collaboration at all levels between science, industry and government must continue to ensure all parties see and work with the big picture.

Ultimately, scientists with industry links need to be part of the conversation, because if they weren’t the public would be missing out on a great deal of expertise.