In a recent exposé, The Guardian reveals that almost half of the members on a U.S. federal government panel responsible for developing nutritional guidelines have significant ties to big agriculture, ultra-processed food companies, and pharmaceutical corporations. The panel, known as the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DAGC), plays a crucial role in shaping dietary advice not just in the U.S., but globally. Its recommendations influence food choices in schools, hospitals, and military facilities, and even affect federal food aid distribution.
The report, conducted by the transparency group US Right to Know, found that nine out of the 20-member panel had connections to companies like Nestlé, Pfizer, and Coca-Cola. These findings raise concerns about the objectivity of the panel and whether it prioritizes public health or corporate profits. Gary Ruskin of US Right to Know warns that such conflicts of interest “erode confidence in dietary guidelines.”
The revelations come at a time when the U.S. is grappling with public health crises like diabetes and obesity, which are partly attributed to the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The report calls for stronger disclosures and the appointment of experts without conflicts of interest to restore public trust in the guidelines.