ESG Advocates Promote Highly Processed Foods
The Wall Street’s latest trends are promoting foods that are detrimental to Americans’ health.
A Massachusetts-based public relations firm specializing in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards has unveiled its annual list of the “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” This list evaluates the compliance and transparency efforts of the largest U.S. public companies, aiming to align with the Sustainable Development Goals and rebuild a fair economy after the pandemic.
“Now more than ever, corporate leadership on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues is imperative,” stated the East Coast PR firm responsible for the list. “Each year, 3BL evaluates the largest public U.S. companies on ESG transparency and performance.”
Among the top 50 companies on the list, seven major American food processors have made the cut. These include PepsiCo at 6, Hershey at 10, Mondelez at 45, Kellogg at 40, and General Mills at 49. However, these corporate food giants are also some of the worst offenders when it comes to environmental and public health.
Earlier this year, General Mills and Kellogg threatened the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over new rules that could remove the “healthy” labels from their sugary cereals. These companies argue that the FDA’s guidance discriminates against their right to free speech.
Cereals not only contain excessive amounts of sugar, leading to chronic diseases and obesity, but they are also contaminated with harmful pesticides like glyphosate. Glyphosate, the most common weed killer in the United States, has been linked to gut bacteria and microbiome damage.
Despite their inclusion on the “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list, Kellogg and General Mills have a history of opposing GMO labeling laws and promoting genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that contribute to the excessive use of herbicides and pesticides.
The food industry has a track record of manipulating science and lobbying efforts to prioritize profit over public health. The same companies praised for their adherence to ESG standards have been driving the industrialization of the food supply with GMOs.
It is crucial to recognize that industry data often contains biased information aimed at selling products. The sugar industry, for example, manipulated scientific research to shift the blame for obesity from sugar to fat. Similarly, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine were found to have significant conflicts of interest when preparing a report on genetically engineered seeds.
The FDA’s proposed update to the definition of “health” to prioritize foods higher in saturated fat has faced opposition from the food industry.
[READ: FDA Let Marketers Label Sugar-Soaked Cereals As ‘Healthy’ For Years, And Big Food Is Fighting To Keep It That Way]
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What steps can these companies take to prioritize the health and well-being of their consumers and promote responsible consumption
The labeling and regulation of unhealthy food products. They argued that stricter regulations would impede their ability to innovate and create new products. However, the reality is that these companies have been contributing to the rise in obesity and chronic diseases among Americans.
PepsiCo, known for its sugary beverages and snacks, has been criticized for marketing unhealthy products to children. Their aggressive advertising campaigns target young audiences, leading to an increase in childhood obesity rates. Similarly, Hershey, Mondelez, and Kellogg’s products are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, contributing to poor dietary habits and a host of health problems.
These companies have a responsibility to prioritize the health and well-being of their consumers. Instead of investing in the development of healthier alternatives and promoting responsible consumption, they continue to prioritize profit over public health. This is especially concerning considering the current global health crisis and the increased vulnerability of individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
It is important to recognize that the food industry plays a significant role in shaping dietary habits and influencing consumer choices. By promoting and prioritizing healthier options, these companies can contribute to reducing the burden of chronic diseases and improving overall public health.
Fortunately, there are companies that are leading the way in promoting healthier food options. Small and mid-sized businesses are increasingly focusing on sustainable and nutritious products, prioritizing the well-being of their consumers and the environment. These companies are demonstrating that profitability and public health are not mutually exclusive.
As consumers, we have the power to demand change. By choosing to support companies that prioritize health and sustainability, we can send a message to the food industry that we value our well-being. Additionally, advocating for stricter regulations and transparency in food labeling can hold these corporate giants accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, while it is commendable that these major American food processors have made it onto the list of “100 Best Corporate Citizens,” it is imperative that we recognize the contradiction between their environmental and social efforts and their contribution to public health issues. It is time for these companies to take responsibility for the consequences of their products and prioritize the health of their consumers. Only then can we truly rebuild a fair and sustainable economy after the pandemic.
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