Getting to the root of the problem: the international and domestic politics of junk food industry regulation in Latin America

Abstract

In response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Latin America, governments have introduced impressive prevention programmes However, the purpose of this article is to better explain why several governments have yet to address arguably the ‘root of the problem’: i.e. implementing effective regulatory policies restricting the food industries’ ability to market and sale their products. Introducing a political science analytical framework merging international relations and domestic politics theory, this article claims that most governments have failed to achieve this process because of their reluctance to transfer their beliefs in human rights to health from the area of NCD prevention to regulation, thus achieving what the author refer to as ‘normative transferability’. The research design for this study entailed a documentary analysis of 44 qualitative primary and secondary documentary data sources (combined), i.e. articles, books, policy reports and the usage of these data sources for a comparative case study analysis of Chile, Brazil and Mexico. These qualitative data sources were also used to illustrate the potential efficacy of the author’s proposed analytical framework, developed from the political science and public policy literature. Quantitative epidemiological data from the World Health Organization global health observatory were used to provide a contextual backdrop of the obesity and diabetes situation in these countries. Comparing these three countries, Chile was the only one capable of achieving ‘normative transferability’ due to a strong linkage between activists, supportive institutions and policy advocates within government viewing regulatory policy as a human right to protection from aggressive industry marketing and sales tactics. To better understand differences between nations in achieving normative transferability processes and effective NCD regulatory policy outcomes, political scientists and public health scholars should work together to develop alternative analytical frameworks in the commercial determinants of health.

Challenges around Child-Feeding Practices with ‘Comida Chatarra’: A Qualitative Study to Understand the Role of Sociocultural Factors in Caregiver Feeding Decisions

“…These commercial strategies are particularly effective in low- and middle-income countries, most of which share limited governance [ 58 ] that favors a significant permeation of companies in all aspects of society (legal, economic, social, and cultural) [ 59 ]. This makes it difficult to adopt policies to control corporate practices [ 60 ]. High availability of ‘chatarra’ results in its continued consumption by children.…”

The Pitfalls of Ascribing Moral Agency to Corporations: Public Obligation and Political and Social Contexts in the Commercial Determinants of Health

“…31 Some have argued that it was the personal beliefs and interests of an influential senator, Guido Girardi (Party for Democracy), who was also president of the Senate's Health Commission, that motivated him to successfully build consensus for reform within the government. 32,33 Senator Girardi also enlisted a human rights discourse when arguing for the adoption of these policies, comporting with civil society's views, claiming that children had the right to be protected from junk food advertising. Studies have shown that it was the interests and actions of this influential policy entrepreneur, in addition to the presence of supportive government institutions, academics, and activists, that contributed to Chile's eventual success in adopting perhaps the most stringent regulatory actions against industry to date in the western hemisphere.…”

“…Studies have shown that it was the interests and actions of this influential policy entrepreneur, in addition to the presence of supportive government institutions, academics, and activists, that contributed to Chile's eventual success in adopting perhaps the most stringent regulatory actions against industry to date in the western hemisphere. 33 Alternatively, political leaders' personal experiences and views may not at times favor the creation of effective regulatory policies. Consider the case of Mexico.…”

“…There, despite several years of intensive and successful industry opposition, eventually the government proved successful in adopting restrictions on children's advertising of unhealthy food products as well as more effective front‐of‐package food labels 31 . Some have argued that it was the personal beliefs and interests of an influential senator, Guido Girardi (Party for Democracy), who was also president of the Senate's Health Commission, that motivated him to successfully build consensus for reform within the government 32,33 . Senator Girardi also enlisted a human rights discourse when arguing for the adoption of these policies, comporting with civil society's views, claiming that children had the right to be protected from junk food advertising.…”

“…Senator Girardi also enlisted a human rights discourse when arguing for the adoption of these policies, comporting with civil society's views, claiming that children had the right to be protected from junk food advertising. Studies have shown that it was the interests and actions of this influential policy entrepreneur, in addition to the presence of supportive government institutions, academics, and activists, that contributed to Chile's eventual success in adopting perhaps the most stringent regulatory actions against industry to date in the western hemisphere 33 …”