A sugar industry scandal is rocking the research world, serving as a strong reminder that public policy should take industry-sponsored studies with a grain of salt (or sugar) before making sweeping national recommendations.
The sugar industry began funding research that cast doubt on sugar’s role in heart disease—in part by pointing the finger at fat—as early as the 1960s, according to an analysis of newly uncovered documents.
The analysis published Monday, Sep 12, is based on correspondence between a sugar trade group and researchers at Harvard University, and is the latest example showing how food and beverage makers attempt to shape public understanding of nutrition.
Food company sponsorship, whether or not intentionally manipulative, undermines public trust in nutrition science.
