Non-profit organizations as strategic arms of the food and beverage industry: Case studies in Europe
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BackgroundUltra-processed foods (UPFs) are a key driver of Europe’s rising rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases. Although the food and beverage industry (F&BI) often challenges policies to reduce UPF consumption, relatively little is known about how industry-supported nonprofit organizations (NPOs) influence science, public opinion, and policy-making.ObjectiveThis study examines selected European NPOs with ties to the F&BI to understand their structures, activities, and potential role in shaping public policy.MethodsWe conducted a narrative review of scientific publications, grey literature, organizational documents, media coverage, and official websites. We used an exploratory, purposive sampling approach to identify relevant NPOs and selected them based on three criteria: (1) Funding from F&BI sources, (2) F&BI representatives in management roles, and (3) Activities with a potential conflict of interest.ResultsFive European NPOs were identified: International Life Sciences Institute Europe (ILSI Europe), European Food Information Council (EUFIC), British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), Fundación Española de la Nutrición (FEN), and Austria’s Forum Ernährung Heute (FEH). These organizations receive substantial industry funding and share leadership with the F&BI. They also engage in research and public communication activities that appear to advance industry interests, for example by downplaying the health risks of UPF. In addition, some of these NPOs are represented in influential policy forums.ConclusionsSome F&BI-funded NPOs function as “astroturf” organizations. While their industry ties are often not visible, these groups can shape public and scientific discourse and influence policy-making processes. Strengthening transparency policies and conflict-of-interest regulations, and increasing awareness among scientists, policymakers and the public are critical to protect public health.
Source: World Nutrition
Authors: Raffael Heiss, Amelie Johanna Sigge, Melissa Mialon, Ane Therese Aastebøl, Eva Weingartmair, Roman Ahmed, Hélène Amlung, Alessia Corsi-Sauer, Chiara Di Vico, Simone Diels, Jonathan Klema, Verena Kogler, Maria Lafer, Kathrin Liebl, Lili Anna Pellizzari, Eva Reineke, Julian Schmidhofer, Kristina Strobl, Anna Weber, Ella Wolkenhaar
Language: English
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414642676
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