Regulation, Policy & Activism
The “Soda Tax” Debate: Did It Actually Work Anywhere?
Soda taxes aim to reduce consumption of sugary drinks and generate revenue for health initiatives. Studies in cities like Philadelphia and Berkeley have shown some success in decreasing sales, but debates continue regarding their impact on overall calorie intake, cross-border shopping, and regressive effects on low-income consumers.
Liam read about Mexico’s soda tax, which led to a noticeable drop in sugary drink purchases. “So, it can work!” he thought. However, he also saw articles discussing how some people simply bought cheaper sugary drinks or traveled to avoid the tax, showing the complex, mixed results of such policies.
Why Is It So Hard to Ban Junk Food Ads Aimed at Kids? The Legal Loopholes
Banning junk food ads targeting children faces challenges from powerful industry lobbying, First Amendment (free speech) arguments, and difficulties defining “junk food” and “child-directed” advertising. Loopholes in self-regulatory codes also allow much marketing to continue.
Sarah, a parent activist, fumed. “Why can they still show cartoon characters hawking sugary cereal during kids’ shows?” she asked. A lawyer explained the powerful industry lobbies, free speech arguments, and the blurry lines defining “child-directed” made outright bans legally complex and full of loopholes, frustrating many.
The Fight for Clearer Food Labels: Exposing Hidden Sugars & Fats
Advocates push for clearer, more informative food labels (e.g., “added sugars” prominently displayed, front-of-pack warnings) to help consumers make healthier choices. Industry often resists these changes, citing cost and consumer confusion, leading to lengthy battles over labeling reforms.
Mark struggled to understand how much sugar was truly in his “healthy” granola bar. The fight for clearer labels, like showing “added sugars” separately, aimed to expose these hidden amounts. He learned that industry often pushed back, preferring vague labels that made their products seem healthier than they were.
Can We Sue Junk Food Companies Like We Sued Big Tobacco?
While parallels exist (marketing to youth, downplaying health risks), suing junk food companies faces hurdles. Unlike tobacco (inherently harmful), food involves personal choice and varying metabolic effects. Proving direct causation for obesity or disease is more complex, though legal strategies are evolving.
“If they sued Big Tobacco for lying about health risks, why not Big Soda?” Chloe wondered. Her legal-minded friend explained the difficulty: while tobacco is always harmful, food choices are complex. Proving a specific burger directly caused someone’s illness is much harder than linking smoking to lung cancer.
The Politics of School Lunch Programs: Who Decides What Kids Eat?
School lunch nutritional standards are set by government agencies (like the USDA), but are heavily influenced by food industry lobbying, agricultural interests (promoting surplus commodities), budget constraints, and political ideologies, creating ongoing debates over what constitutes a healthy, affordable school meal.
David, a school board member, sat through a heated debate. Nutritionists wanted more fresh produce in school lunches, but the budget favored cheaper, processed options often supplied by large corporations with powerful lobbyists. He saw firsthand how politics, not just nutrition, decided what kids ate.
Food Deserts & Policy: How Government Can Bring Healthy Food to Underserved Areas
Government policies can address food deserts by offering financial incentives for supermarkets to open in underserved areas, supporting farmers’ markets and mobile food vendors, improving public transportation to grocery stores, and funding community gardens.
Maria lived in a food desert, miles from a real grocery store. She joined a community group lobbying for a local farmers’ market and better bus routes to supermarkets. “Government policy could bring fresh food here,” she argued. “Tax breaks for new stores, support for local growers – these things can make a difference.”
The Revolving Door: When Food Industry Execs Become Government Regulators
The “revolving door” refers to individuals moving between jobs in the food industry and government regulatory agencies (like the FDA or USDA). This can lead to concerns about conflicts of interest and policies favoring industry over public health.
Liam read about a former soda company executive now holding a high-level position at the FDA. “That’s the ‘revolving door’!” he exclaimed. It raised concerns that regulatory decisions might be unduly influenced by someone with deep industry ties, potentially prioritizing corporate interests over public health.
Traffic Light Food Labels: A Simple Solution the Junk Food Lobby Hates?
Traffic light labels use red, amber, and green colors to indicate high, medium, or low levels of fat, sugar, and salt in a product. This simple visual system helps consumers make quick, healthy choices, but some food industry groups oppose it, fearing it will deter sales of less healthy items.
Sarah, shopping in the UK, found traffic light labels incredibly helpful. A red dot for sugar on a cereal box was an instant warning. “Why don’t we have this everywhere?” she wondered, learning that powerful food lobbies often resist such clear, simple systems that might discourage sales of their high-sugar or high-fat products.
The Battle Over Trans Fat Bans: A Public Health Victory (Mostly)
Following scientific evidence linking artificial trans fats (from partially hydrogenated oils) to heart disease, many countries and localities implemented bans or strict limits. This led to widespread reformulation of junk food products, considered a significant public health victory, though vigilance for loopholes continues.
Mark remembered when trans fats were in everything. After years of advocacy and damning research, bans were enacted. “It was a huge win for public health,” he reflected. Food companies reformulated products, and heart disease rates linked to these fats began to fall. It showed policy could make a difference.
Junk Food Activists You Need to Know: The People Fighting for Change
Numerous individuals and organizations advocate for healthier food systems. Activists like Marion Nestle, Michael Pollan, and Jamie Oliver, alongside grassroots community leaders, work through research, writing, education, and policy advocacy to challenge the junk food industry.
Chloe was inspired reading about activists like chef Ann Cooper, revolutionizing school lunches, and Marion Nestle, exposing food industry politics. “These people are on the front lines,” she thought, “using their voices and expertise to fight for better food for everyone.” Their dedication was a call to action.
How Other Countries Regulate Junk Food (And What We Can Learn)
Many countries have stricter junk food regulations than the U.S., including taxes on sugary drinks (Mexico, UK), bans on child-directed advertising (Chile, Quebec), and mandatory front-of-pack warning labels (Chile). These policies offer potential models for improving public health.
David learned that Chile implemented bold black warning labels on unhealthy foods and restricted marketing to kids. “They’re actually doing something significant!” he noted. Studying how other countries successfully regulated junk food provided valuable lessons and inspiration for similar efforts back home.
The Power of Junk Food Lobbyists: How They Shape Dietary Guidelines
The junk food industry invests heavily in lobbying to influence the development of national dietary guidelines, often pushing to downplay risks associated with their products (sugar, processed meats) or to promote certain industry-friendly recommendations, impacting public health advice.
When the new dietary guidelines were released, Liam noticed they were softer on sugar than some experts recommended. A journalist friend explained, “The sugar lobby is incredibly powerful. They spend millions ensuring the guidelines don’t hit their products too hard.” It was a stark example of industry influence.
“Pink Slime” Outrage: A Case Study in Consumer Activism & Food Policy
The “pink slime” controversy erupted when media exposed the use of “lean finely textured beef” (LFTB), treated with ammonia, in ground beef. Public outrage and consumer activism led many supermarkets and fast-food chains to stop using it, demonstrating consumer power influencing food policy and industry practices.
Sarah remembered the “pink slime” news. The public outcry against ammonia-treated beef filler was huge. Supermarkets and fast-food chains quickly announced they’d stop using it. “It showed that when consumers get angry and organized, they can actually force change in the food industry,” she reflected.
Should There Be a Warning Label on Ultra-Processed Foods?
Some public health advocates propose mandatory warning labels on ultra-processed foods (UPFs), similar to tobacco warnings, to alert consumers to their potential health risks due to high levels of unhealthy fats, sugars, sodium, and artificial additives.
Mark considered a brightly packaged snack full of unpronounceable ingredients. “Shouldn’t this have a warning label, like cigarettes do?” he wondered. The idea of clear, stark warnings on ultra-processed foods, highlighting their potential health risks, was gaining traction among health advocates as a necessary public health measure.
The Ethics of Marketing Junk Food in Low-Income Communities
Junk food companies often heavily target low-income communities and communities of color with advertising, and these areas may have a higher density of fast-food outlets. This raises ethical concerns about exploiting vulnerable populations and exacerbating health disparities.
A study revealed a disproportionate number of fast-food ads in Maria’s predominantly low-income neighborhood. “It feels like they’re preying on us,” she said, “knowing healthy options are scarce and budgets are tight.” The ethics of such targeted marketing felt deeply problematic and unjust.
Can Cities Ban New Fast Food Restaurants in Certain Areas?
Some cities have attempted to use zoning laws to limit the density of new fast-food restaurants in specific areas, particularly around schools or in neighborhoods with high obesity rates, as a public health measure. Legal challenges and effectiveness vary.
Liam’s city council debated a moratorium on new fast-food outlets near schools. “Can they even do that?” he asked. While some cities tried, citing public health, they often faced legal battles from the industry. It was a contentious effort to curb junk food proliferation through local policy.
The Fight to Remove Vending Machines from Schools: Wins and Losses
Activists and parents have long campaigned to remove vending machines selling sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks from schools to promote healthier environments for children. This fight has seen partial successes, with some schools adopting healthier vending options or outright bans, but resistance remains.
Sarah joined a parent group advocating to remove soda and candy vending machines from her son’s middle school. After months of meetings and petitions, they succeeded in getting them replaced with healthier options. “It was a small win, but an important one for our kids’ health,” she declared proudly.
How Subsidies for Corn & Soy Fuel the Junk Food Epidemic
Government subsidies make commodity crops like corn and soybeans artificially cheap. These are primary ingredients in many processed junk foods (e.g., high-fructose corn syrup from corn, soybean oil). Critics argue these subsidies indirectly fuel the junk food epidemic by lowering production costs.
David learned that his tax dollars helped make corn incredibly cheap through subsidies. This cheap corn was then turned into high-fructose corn syrup, a key ingredient in the affordable sugary drinks fueling the obesity crisis. “So, we’re subsidizing the junk food problem?” he realized, dismayed.
The Role of the FDA in Regulating Junk Food Ingredients & Claims
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of food ingredients and regulating health claims on food packaging. However, critics argue the FDA is often under-resourced, slow to act, or influenced by industry, particularly regarding additives and misleading marketing.
Chloe looked at a cereal box claiming it “supports heart health.” She wondered if the FDA actually verified that. While the FDA sets rules for such claims, its oversight of ingredients like “natural flavors” or the impact of some additives often feels inadequate to consumer advocates.
Grassroots Movements Pushing for Local, Healthy Food Systems
Numerous grassroots movements work at the local level to create alternatives to the industrial food system by establishing community gardens, farmers’ markets, food co-ops, and advocating for policies that support local, sustainable, and healthy food access.
Maria started a community garden in her neighborhood, a small grassroots effort to bring fresh produce to an area dominated by fast food. “We’re taking control of our food, one tomato plant at a time,” she said, embodying the spirit of local activism for healthier options.
The Debate: Personal Responsibility vs. Government Regulation in Junk Food Consumption
This ongoing debate centers on whether individuals are solely responsible for their food choices, or if government has a role in regulating junk food (e.g., through taxes, ad bans, labeling) to create healthier food environments and protect public health.
Liam argued, “People should be free to eat what they want; it’s personal responsibility.” His friend countered, “But what about when companies use manipulative ads, and healthy food is unaffordable? The government has a role to create a fair playing field for health.” The debate was complex.
How “Ag-Gag” Laws Silence Whistleblowers in the Food Industry
“Ag-gag” laws are designed to prevent undercover filming or whistleblowing on agricultural operations, including large-scale factory farms that often supply ingredients for processed foods. Critics argue these laws hinder transparency and accountability in the food system.
Sarah read about an activist fined under an “ag-gag” law for filming conditions at a factory farm. “So, they’re trying to silence people who expose problems in our food supply?” she fumed. These laws made it harder to hold the industry accountable for practices hidden from public view.
The Impact of International Trade Agreements on Junk Food Availability
International trade agreements can reduce tariffs and regulations on imported foods, often facilitating the influx of cheap, processed junk food from multinational corporations into new markets, potentially impacting local food systems and public health.
Mark noticed a surge of American candy brands in his local store after a new trade deal. While variety increased, he worried. “These deals make it easier for global junk food giants to flood our market, often at the expense of local producers and healthier habits,” he observed.
Can We Regulate Portion Sizes in Restaurants and Fast Food Chains?
Some public health advocates propose regulating maximum portion sizes for unhealthy foods and sugary drinks sold in restaurants to combat “portion distortion” and reduce calorie intake. Such proposals often face strong industry opposition and legal challenges.
David saw a proposal to cap soda sizes at 16 ounces in restaurants. “Could that actually work?” he wondered. Proponents argued it would help curb overconsumption, but restaurant associations fought back hard, citing consumer choice and economic impact, making it a tough policy to enact.
The Push for Better Nutritional Standards in Daycares and Preschools
Advocates are working to improve nutritional standards in early childhood education settings, pushing for more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and less sugary, processed junk food to establish healthy eating habits from a young age.
Chloe, a preschool teacher, joined a campaign for healthier snacks. “We’re serving juice and crackers, but these kids need real fruit and whole grains,” she argued. The push for better nutritional standards in daycares aimed to give children the best possible start for a healthy life.
The Fight Against Misleading “Healthy” Claims on Junk Food Packaging
Consumer groups and regulators scrutinize “healthy” claims on junk food packaging (e.g., “low fat” but high sugar, “made with real fruit” but mostly syrup). Efforts aim to ensure claims are truthful and not misleading consumers into making poor choices.
Liam picked up a cereal bar labeled “Excellent Source of Fiber!” but the second ingredient was sugar. “This is exactly the kind of misleading claim activists are fighting,” he thought. The package highlighted a minor positive while obscuring major negatives, a common tactic.
How Activist Investors Are Pressuring Junk Food Companies to Change
Activist investors use their shareholder status to pressure junk food companies to adopt healthier product formulations, reduce marketing to children, or improve environmental and social practices, leveraging financial influence for social good.
A group of activist investors filed a shareholder resolution demanding “SnackCorp” reduce sugar in its children’s products. “We’re using our financial stake to push for healthier changes from within,” their spokesperson said. This showed how investment could be a tool for corporate reform.
The Role of Celebrity Chefs in Advocating for Healthier Food Policies
Some celebrity chefs (e.g., Jamie Oliver, Alice Waters) use their public platform and culinary expertise to advocate for healthier food policies, improved school lunches, and greater access to fresh, unprocessed food, influencing public opinion and policymakers.
Sarah watched Jamie Oliver’s passionate plea for better school food in a documentary. “When a chef with his platform speaks out, people listen,” she thought. These culinary figures can translate complex policy issues into relatable concerns, inspiring public support for change.
The Campaign to Tax Sugary Drinks: Strategies and Outcomes
Campaigns for sugary drink taxes often involve public health coalitions, grassroots organizing, and strategic messaging about health impacts and revenue potential. Outcomes vary, with successes in some cities/countries leading to reduced consumption, while other efforts are defeated by industry opposition.
Mark followed the campaign for a soda tax in his city. Health advocates highlighted rising diabetes rates, while community groups rallied support. Despite intense lobbying from beverage companies, the tax passed. Early data showed a modest dip in sales, a small but encouraging step.
Holding Social Media Platforms Accountable for Junk Food Marketing to Minors
Advocates are increasingly calling for social media platforms to take more responsibility for the proliferation of junk food marketing targeting children and adolescents through influencers, algorithms, and a lack of transparent ad disclosure.
Chloe was alarmed by the junk food ads seamlessly integrated into her daughter’s TikTok feed, often via young influencers. “Social media platforms need to be held accountable for this,” she argued. “They’re facilitating direct, often disguised, marketing to kids.” The demand for platform responsibility was growing.
The Struggle to Define “Junk Food” for Regulatory Purposes
Defining “junk food” precisely for legal and regulatory purposes is challenging. Nutrient profiling models (based on levels of sugar, salt, fat, fiber) are used, but disagreements persist on thresholds and which foods qualify, complicating policy implementation.
“What exactly is ‘junk food’ legally?” Liam wondered. A cookie? A sugary yogurt? For regulations like ad bans, policymakers struggled. Is it based on sugar content? Fat? Lack of nutrients? The lack of a simple, universally agreed-upon definition made targeted legislation difficult.
How Zoning Laws Can Promote or Inhibit Access to Healthy Food
Zoning laws dictate land use and can be used to limit the density of fast-food restaurants in certain areas or to incentivize the establishment of supermarkets and farmers’ markets in underserved communities, thereby shaping food environments.
David’s city council used zoning laws to attract a new supermarket to a food desert by offering tax incentives for that specific land use. Conversely, they restricted new fast-food outlets near schools. These zoning decisions directly impacted residents’ access to healthy versus unhealthy food options.
The Impact of Consumer Boycotts on Junk Food Company Practices
Organized consumer boycotts, often fueled by social media, can pressure junk food companies to change practices related to ingredients (e.g., removing an additive), marketing, or labor conditions by threatening their sales and reputation.
After a report on unethical labor practices, a consumer boycott against “ChipCo” gained traction online. Sales dipped, and the company quickly announced a review of its supply chain. Sarah saw it as proof: “When enough of us refuse to buy, companies are forced to listen.”
The Fight for Paid Sick Leave for Fast Food Workers: A Public Health Issue
Advocating for paid sick leave for fast food workers is framed as a public health issue because it allows ill employees to stay home, reducing the risk of spreading illness to coworkers and customers.
Maria, a fast-food worker, often went to work sick because she couldn’t afford to lose a day’s pay. Activists argued that providing paid sick leave wasn’t just fair; it was a public health necessity to prevent sick employees from handling food and potentially spreading infections.
Should Junk Food Be Banned from Hospital Cafeterias and Vending Machines?
A growing movement advocates for removing sugary drinks and unhealthy junk food from hospital cafeterias and vending machines, arguing that healthcare facilities should model and promote healthy eating environments for patients, staff, and visitors.
Liam visited his father in the hospital and was dismayed to find the cafeteria full of fried food and the vending machines stocked only with candy and soda. “Shouldn’t a place of healing offer healthy food?” he questioned, echoing a growing call for change.
The Role of Non-Profits and NGOs in Combating Junk Food Proliferation
Non-profit organizations (NPOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play crucial roles in combating junk food proliferation through research, public education campaigns, policy advocacy, community programs, and holding corporations accountable.
The “Center for Healthy Eating,” an NGO, published a report exposing misleading labels on children’s snacks. They then lobbied lawmakers for stricter rules. Sarah saw how these organizations acted as watchdogs and advocates, crucial players in the fight against junk food’s negative impacts.
The “Right to Food” Movement and Its Implications for Junk Food Access
The “right to food” movement asserts that access to adequate, nutritious food is a fundamental human right. This has implications for junk food, suggesting policies should ensure affordable access to healthy alternatives, not just cheap, unhealthy options.
Mark attended a “Right to Food” rally. Speakers argued that everyone deserved access to nourishing food, not just calorie-dense junk that happened to be cheap. This reframed the discussion, emphasizing healthy food access as a matter of justice and human rights.
How to Effectively Lobby Your Local Representatives for Better Food Policy
Effective lobbying involves researching issues, understanding representatives’ positions, building coalitions, crafting clear, concise messages with personal stories or local data, scheduling meetings, and persistent, polite follow-up to advocate for specific policy changes.
Chloe wanted better school lunches. She researched the issue, joined a parent group, and they collectively met with their city council member, presenting data and personal stories. Their persistent, informed advocacy eventually led to a pilot program for healthier options. She learned grassroots lobbying could work.
The Challenge of Regulating Online Junk Food Sales and Delivery
Regulating online junk food marketing, sales, and rapid delivery (especially to minors) poses new challenges due to the borderless nature of the internet, algorithmic targeting, influencer marketing, and the fast-evolving digital landscape.
David noticed his son was targeted with ads for candy delivery services on his gaming apps. “How do we even begin to regulate this?” he wondered. The speed and pervasiveness of online junk food marketing presented a new frontier for consumer protection and policy.
Are “Sin Taxes” on Junk Food Fair or Regressive?
“Sin taxes” (like soda or candy taxes) are criticized as regressive because they disproportionately impact lower-income individuals who spend a larger percentage of their income on food. Proponents argue the revenue can fund health programs benefiting these same communities.
The debate over a new snack tax raged. “It’s regressive! It hurts the poor!” cried one side. “But the revenue will fund health clinics in those same poor neighborhoods!” countered the other. Liam saw the fairness argument was complex, with valid points on both sides.
The Power of Shareholder Resolutions in Forcing Junk Food Industry Change
Shareholder resolutions, formal proposals submitted by shareholders for a vote at a company’s annual meeting, can pressure junk food corporations to address issues like excessive sugar content, unethical marketing, or environmental impact, leveraging investor influence.
A group of shareholders filed a resolution demanding “Global Drinks Inc.” set targets for reducing sugar in their beverages. Though non-binding, the public attention and potential investor unease pressured the company to announce new “healthier product initiatives.” It showed the power of shareholder activism.
The Global Movement to Restrict Marketing of Unhealthy Foods to Children
There’s a growing international movement, supported by organizations like WHO, to implement comprehensive restrictions on the marketing of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) to children across all media platforms to protect their health.
Sarah followed the WHO’s call for global restrictions on junk food marketing to kids. Countries like Chile and the UK were taking action. “It’s a worldwide problem requiring a worldwide solution,” she thought, hopeful that this global movement would gain momentum and protect children everywhere.
How Public Health Campaigns Can Counter Junk Food Marketing
Effective public health campaigns use evidence-based messaging, emotional appeals, and sometimes graphic imagery (similar to anti-smoking ads) to educate the public about the risks of excessive junk food consumption and to counter the pervasive influence of industry marketing.
Mark saw a striking public health ad showing the amount of sugar in a typical soda using sugar cubes piled high. It was simple, visual, and impactful. “Campaigns like this can actually make people think twice,” he realized, “a small counter-punch to the millions spent on junk food ads.”
The Legal Battles Over “Natural” Food Labeling Claims
The term “natural” on food labels is poorly defined legally, leading to numerous lawsuits by consumers and advocacy groups against companies using it misleadingly on products containing synthetic ingredients, HFCS, or GMOs. These battles push for greater labeling clarity.
“Natural Valley” granola bars were sued because they contained highly processed ingredients. Chloe followed the case. “What does ‘natural’ even mean if it can be slapped on something like this?” she wondered. The legal fights aimed to bring some much-needed clarity to a very vague term.
Can We Mandate Maximum Sugar/Salt/Fat Levels in Processed Foods?
Some health advocates propose government mandates setting maximum allowable levels of sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats in categories of processed foods to force industry-wide reformulation and improve public health. This faces significant industry opposition.
David read a proposal to cap the amount of sodium allowed in canned soups. “Could the government actually tell companies how much salt to use?” he asked. While a bold idea to improve public health, the food industry argued vehemently against such mandates, citing innovation and consumer choice.
The Fight for Transparency in Junk Food Company Political Donations
Advocacy groups push for greater transparency regarding political donations and lobbying expenditures by junk food companies and their trade associations to expose how industry money influences food policy and public health decisions.
Liam researched how much “Big Soda” donated to political campaigns. The numbers were staggering. “No wonder it’s so hard to pass a soda tax,” he thought. Activists were fighting for this information to be public, so citizens could see the financial ties influencing their elected officials.
The Successes and Failures of “Menu Labeling” Laws
Menu labeling laws require chain restaurants to display calorie information on menus and menu boards. Studies show mixed results: some indicate modest reductions in calories ordered, while others find little impact on consumer choices. Effectiveness depends on implementation and consumer attention.
Sarah noticed calorie counts on the fast-food menu board. “Does anyone actually use these?” she wondered. Studies showed mixed results: for some, it led to slightly healthier choices; for others, it made no difference. Menu labeling was a step, but not a silver bullet.
How Community Gardens and Farmers Markets Offer Alternatives to Junk Food
Community gardens and farmers’ markets increase access to fresh, local, affordable produce, offering healthy alternatives to processed junk food. They also foster community engagement, food education, and support local agriculture.
Maria’s neighborhood, once a food desert, now had a thriving farmers’ market and two community gardens. “We’re growing our own healthy alternatives,” she said proudly. These local initiatives provided fresh food and a powerful counter-narrative to the dominance of cheap junk food.
The Push to Reform SNAP/Food Stamp Programs to Exclude Unhealthy Junk Food
There’s ongoing debate about whether SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits should be restricted from purchasing sugary drinks, candy, and other unhealthy junk foods, aiming to improve nutrition among recipients. Opponents cite concerns about choice and stigma.
A heated debate surrounded proposals to restrict SNAP benefits from buying soda. “It’s taxpayer money, it should go to nutritious food!” one side argued. “Don’t stigmatize the poor and limit their choices!” countered the other. It was a complex intersection of public health, economics, and social equity.
The Future of Junk Food Regulation: What’s Next on the Agenda?
Future junk food regulation may focus on stricter controls for online marketing to youth, taxes on ultra-processed foods, enhanced front-of-pack labeling, reforming agricultural subsidies, and addressing health equity issues related to food access.
Dr. Evans, a public health expert, predicted, “The next big fights will be over ultra-processed food warnings and cracking down on digital marketing to kids. We’ll also see more focus on food equity.” The agenda for junk food regulation was constantly evolving to meet new challenges.