UK Nutrition Advisers' Ties to Food Industry Raise Conflict Concerns
A third of the UK government's nutrition advisers have significant ties to the food industry, including major brands like Coca-Cola and Nestlé.
An investigation by The BMJ found that six out of 19 members of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) have declared 'significant' conflicts of interest, which include owning shares in companies or receiving research funding from them.
The SACN's updated code of conduct, implemented in September last year, was meant to prevent individuals with such interests from being appointed members. However, an introductory period allows current members to continue existing ties for up to two years.
Public health experts have called for the removal of these conflicts 'immediately,' arguing that scientists with financial ties to the food industry should not be involved in influencing policy.