The corporate political activity of the food industry in Ireland: an analysis and proposed solutions

Abstract Background The study consisted of mapping the corporate political activity (CPA) of the food industry in Ireland. Following that study, we plan to benchmark the efforts made by the Irish government to address any undue corporate influence on public health policy. Methods We followed the INFORMAS methods for studying the food industry’s CPA (document analysis) and analysed the key commercial actors in Ireland and their activities over a 24-month period. We also conducted nine semi-structured interviews with key informants. Results We found a total of 147 CPA occurrences during the period of analysis. That data was triangulated and completed with information shared by our participants. We found examples of the food industry lobbying the government, shaping scientific evidence, and framing the problems and solutions on diet in ways that would not harm the industry. IBEC, a trade association, and the dairy sector were particularly active in trying to influence public health in Ireland. Conclusions Our study shows that the food industry uses its CPA to influence public policy, research, and practice in Ireland. The next step for our project will be to benchmark the Irish government against international standards for its efforts to limit the negative effects of the CPA on public health policy. Key messages • In Ireland, as in other countries, the food industry uses its CPA to interfere with public health policy, research and practice. • There is a need to address that influence, and we will benchmark the efforts of the Irish government in trying to limit the CPA, against international standards.