Junk Food Politics: How Beverage and Fast Food Industries Are Reshaping Emerging Economies

The book "Junk Food Politics" explains why the sugary beverage and fast food industries thrive in emerging nations despite government efforts to eradicate noncommunicable diseases and reduce obesity. It argues that industry leaders have created supportive political coalitions by partnering with governments, manipulating scientific research, and creating their own support bases among the poor. The book proposes an alternative political science framework that emphasizes how junk food corporations restructure politics and society before agenda-setting ever takes place.

Format: Hardback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

An intriguing public health paradox has surfaced in certain developing nations, despite government commitments to eliminating noncommunicable diseases and implementing innovative prevention programs aimed at reducing obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the sugary beverage and fast food industries continue to thrive, despite the efforts of political leaders in countries like Mexico, Brazil, India, China, and Indonesia to introduce policies regulating the marketing and sale of their products, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the poor.

In his book "Junk Food Politics," Eduardo J. Gómez delves into the underlying reasons behind this paradox. He argues that the challenge lies in the strategic politics of junk food industries in these countries. Industry leaders have successfully created supportive political coalitions by paradoxically partnering with governments to promote soda taxes, food labeling, and initiatives focused on public awareness and exercise. At the same time, they have garnered presidential support (and social popularity) through contributions to government anti-hunger and anti-poverty campaigns.

These industries have also employed tactics to manipulate scientific research by collaborating with academic allies and creating their own support bases among the poor through employment programs and community services. Taken together, these strategies have hindered the ability of people to mobilize in support of stricter regulation for the marketing and sale of unhealthy products manufactured by companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé.

To address this issue, "Junk Food Politics" proposes an alternative political science framework that emphasizes how junk food corporations restructure politics and society before agenda-setting ever takes place. The book also reveals how these corporations exploit social and cultural norms, as well as political institutions, to maintain their dominance and prevent stricter regulations.

By examining detailed historical case studies, "Junk Food Politics" provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics between the junk food industry, government policies, and public health. It sheds light on the strategies employed by these industries to undermine public health efforts and promote their products. The book offers a compelling argument for policymakers, activists, and individuals to take a more proactive approach to addressing the growing health crisis caused by the prevalence of sugary beverages and fast food in developing nations.

Weight: 703g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421444284