Ethics for the Dietetic Profession – A South African Perspective

Interactions Between Nutrition Professionals and Industry: A Scoping Review

“… ♦ Industry participation in scientific event(s) 14 , 16 , 17 , 21 , 93 , 104 , 110 , 117 - 119 , 121 , 123 - 133 ♦ Exhibit booths 14 , 21 , 80 , 81 , 90 , 104 , 110 , 115 , 119 , 127 , 128 , 130 - 132 , 134 - 136 ♦ Industry promotional and educational materials distribution 14 , 21 , 81 , 93 , 115 , 116 , 128 , 130 ♦ Provision of meals/beverages/food samples 14 , 21 , 75 , 88 , 93 , 117 , 128 , 130 ♦ Sponsorship of nutrition events/conferences 9 , 14 , 26 , 78 , 86 , …”

“…♦ Sponsorship of nutrition events/conferences 9 , 14 , 26 , 78 , 86 , 88 , 93 , 108 , 116 , 118 , 119 , 126 , 128 , 130 , 133 , 135 , 137 - 142 …”

“…Indeed, it was argued that those interactions could positively influence industry actions and product development toward more healthy food products. 9 , 16 , 79 , 88 , 95 , 101 , 102 , 104 , 115 , 131 , 142 , 148 , 157 For others, these interactions could shape public food choices and improve public health (eg, by combining resources, 157 “singles out products useful from standpoint of professionals” 115 or “promot[ing] environments and messages that facilitate healthy food […] choices” 98 ), 16 , 61 - 63 , 73 , 86 , 98 , 104 , 115 , 129 , 131 , 145 , 163 as well as offer better population nutrition education and information through partnerships (eg, by providing public with good nutrition materials at no charge). 16 , 60 , 61 , 63 , 65 , 92 , 101 , 103 , 104 , 115 , 116…”

“…Risks of interacting with industry that apply to both organizations and professionals included image and reputational risks, including undermining trust, credibility, integrity and reputation 14 , 16 , 17 , 21 , 26 , 28 , 65 , 75 , 78 , 79 , 81 , 84 , 86 , 88 , 90 , 91 , 93 , 96 , 104 , 108 , 110 , 115 , 118 , 128 , 131 , 142 , 144 , 153 , 155 , 157 , 166 , 167 and appearance of endorsement of brands or products or commercial bias. 21 , 77 , 90 , 91 , 115 , 117 , 138 , 143 It can also compromise independence by impairing objectivity and judgement 9 , 14 , 21 , 26 , 68 , 75 , 83 , 85 , 91 , 96 , 115 , 116 , 130 , 137 , 143 , 152 , 153 , 155 , 167 and influencing decision-making or recommendations.…”

“…The most commonly suggested strategy was using tools like a code of ethics to manage COI when making decisions. 18 , 21 , 66 , 75 , 77 , 78 , 84 , 86 , 87 , 89 , 90 , 96 , 103 , 107 , 112 , 114 , 157 , 165 Balancing risks and benefits on a case-by-case basis (eg, in the context of corporate funding 9 , 21 , 144 or accepting gift or payment 75 ) is an example of the “individual discernment” strategy proposed. Another strategy proposed by an author with industry ties was that “[NPs] can ethically act as consultants and speak on behalf of a company or product as long as they retain control over the content and disclose their relationship with the company.” 75 …”