Corporate political activity in Brazil's food Industry: front-of-pack nutrition labeling regulation

Abstract Background The study aimed to monitor the Corporate Political Activity (CPA) of Brazil's food and beverage industry, using the regulatory process on front-of-pack nutrition labeling as a case study. Methods A systematic qualitative approach, developed by Mialon et al. within the INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity / Non-communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support) framework, was employed. The method analyzes publicly available data from industry, government, and academia, accessed via websites, social media, and news outlets. Key industry actors were identified through reports by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) related to the regulation. The dataset comprises materials published between 2017 and 2023. Results 7 episodes of CPA involving instrumental strategies and 5 involving discursive strategies were identified. 4 key actors actively engaged in these Activities: the Brazilian Food Industry Association (ABIA) and the Brazilian Association of Soft Drink and Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industries (ABIR), both national trade associations; Rede Rotulagem, a coalition of 21 industry organizations; and Olho na Lupa, a digital platform with a social media presence representing 11 entities. ABIA and ABIR led coalition-building and information management efforts. Rede Rotulagem coordinated broader sectoral mobilization and framed the debate around health, economic, and cost-related concerns. Olho na Lupa focused on health-oriented discourse. These tactics were collective, proactive, and transactional, following the Hillman and Hitt framework. Conclusions Monitoring CPA in Brazil reveals structured strategies based on coalition and information management, and discourse framing in health and economic terms. Trade associations played a central role by leveraging integrated communication strategies. These findings highlight the need for transparency in public health policymaking. Key messages • CPA in Brazil’s food industry is centrally coordinated, influential, and employs a variety of strategies. • Monitoring CPA is essential to safeguarding the integrity of public health in Brazil.