The food industry has begun lobbying the National Health Department on proposed food warning labels, even before the draft policy’s public release. Researchers argue that industry lobbying behind closed doors has successfully delayed and weakened the government’s last two policies aimed at curbing leading causes of death in the country. Now, many fear history is repeating.
Activists are now accusing the CGCSA of acting unethically and calling on the National Health Department to set aside submissions on proposed food warning labels made before the policy is open for public comment. Researchers say the food industry influenced previous salt and sugar regulations before the policymaking process was open to the public. Activists allege that the industry is now using this same tactic to prevent legislation that would likely reduce processed food sales.
“As the food and non-alcoholic beverage industry will be expected to implement the front of package labelling on many of their products, views on the Department of Health presented research were discussed at technical working group meetings,” Setati said. “These views were shared with the Department of Health.”
“The public equally deserves a fair chance to hear its voice as the regulation directly impacts us,” he says. “This action shows an apparent conflict of interests by giving differential treatment to the industry while trampling on the rights of other interested parties who would also like to equally have a fair chance to comment on the draft regulation.”