Corporate political activity of major food companies in Thailand: an assessment and policy recommendations

Nongnuch Jaichuen,Viroj Tangcharoensathien,Gary Sacks,Sirinya Phulkerd,Nisachol Certthkrikul

doi:10.1186/s12992-018-0432-z

Nongnuch Jaichuen, Viroj Tangcharoensathien + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-018-0432-z

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Abstract

BackgroundThe food industry can influence individual and population level food consumption behaviours, shape public preferences and interfere with government policy on obesity prevention and NCDs. This paper identifies the Corporate Political Activity (CPA) of major food companies in Thailand which relate to obesity and NCDs.MethodsUsing the INFORMAS framework to classify CPA, we reviewed publicly available information by 12 food companies between August 2011 and July 2016 in order to identify, analyse and classify the CPA contents. Semi-structured interviews with 17 key stakeholders who are experts in this field supplemented evidence from the document review. Data analysis applied a thematic approach.ResultsFood industry in Thailand applied a variety of CPA strategies and practices. The two most common strategies were constituency building and information and messaging.ConclusionThe diverse range of CPA strategies which influence government policy and public opinion can undermine efforts to prevent obesity and diet-related NCDs. We recommend systematic monitoring of their CPA, strengthening mechanisms to hold the food industry accountable for their role in protecting and promoting the nutrition and health of the population, introducing mandatory registration of lobbyists, mandatory disclosure of political donations, and stronger oversight of conflicts of interest among the government actors.

Highlights

The food industry can influence individual and population level food consumption behaviours, shape public preferences and interfere with government policy on obesity prevention and non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
In response to commitments to tackle NCD and obesity challenges, this paper identified and analyzed the Corporate Political Activity (CPA) used by major food companies in Thailand which may have negative impacts on government policy addressing obesity and diet -related NCDs
Additional file 2 identified contents extracted from the document review, where four CPA strategies and nine practices were commonly applied by these twelve companies

Summary

Introduction

The food industry can influence individual and population level food consumption behaviours, shape public preferences and interfere with government policy on obesity prevention and NCDs. This paper identifies the Corporate Political Activity (CPA) of major food companies in Thailand which relate to obesity and NCDs. At the global level, obesity is a major public health problem [1]. Food environments play a significant role in influencing diet and consumption behavior and are significant contributors to obesity and diet -related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) [5, 6]. The food industry plays an important role in shaping food environments and food choices. Food industry CPA includes, among other tactics, framing the debate and shaping the evidence on diet to mould public preference in ways that favour their products, establishing relationships with policy makers, and seeking community support in various ways [13, 14].

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