By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) said Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) industry players supporting false researches.
It said the research conducted recently questions the health risks of SSBs.
Speaking on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja, Dr. Francis Fagbule, Public Health Expert, in the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, said the research was full of false narratives.
At a press conference themed ‘SSB tax: Industry undermining public health for profits’, “Unmasking the Truth: Navigating the Health Realities of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in Nigeria”,
he said the event was necessary to address the misinformation.
“Nigerians are currently witnessing an alarming trend in the deliberate dissemination of misleading narratives by the SSB industry, clouding the public’s understanding of the true health implications associated with habitual consumption of their products.
“In recent times, we have witnessed an alarming trend in the deliberate dissemination of misleading narratives by the SSB industry. clouding the public’s understanding of the true health implications associated with habitual consumption of their products. Today, as part of CAPPA’s ongoing efforts to educate the public and advocate for healthy public policy on SSB consumpton im Nigeria, we aim to shed light on these misleading claims and present the scientific evidence surrounding the health risks of SSBs.
“Commercial Determinants of Heaith: l would like to begin by explaining the concept of ‘commercial determinants of health’ which is what is currently at play in the country.
“Commercial determinants of health highlight the “influence that profit-oriented entities, particularly corporations and industries, have on shuping health-related behaviors and outcomes.” In the context of Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) consumption in Nigeria, these commercial determinants play a significant role in influencing patterns of consumption.
“Some of these activities include:
Advertising and Marketing: SSB industries heavily invest in advertising and marketing to promote their products, While it 15 normal for companies to advertise, they bear the responsibility of providing comprehensive information, especially regarding the contents and potential risks associated with habitual consumption of these products.
“Industry Lobbying and Influence: SSB industries often engage in lobbying activities to shape policies in their favor, resisting or diluting regulations such as SSB taxes or labeling requirements.
“Misinformation Campaigns: The industry engages in campaigns that downplay or dismiss the health risks associated with SSB consumption, creating confusion among the public. This misinformation challenges individuals’ ability to make informed and healthy choices.
“Industry-Led Research: Argument: Industry-funded research may attempt to cast doubt on the health risks of SSBs or the effectiveness of SSB taxes. Reality: Independent, peer-reviewed research is essential to establish the credibility of health policies.”
