This paper explores the ethical implications of the food industry’s influence on food policy in the United States, the United Kingdom, and international organizations such as the WHO and the UN. I draw on recent work in institutional corruption studies to contend that industry interactions—often framed as public-private partnerships—can undermine the mission and integrity of the public partners, distort regulation and policymaking, and undermine trust and confidence in policymakers and policy processes. Such interactions reinforce the framing of public health problems, such as obesity, in terms of individual responsibility, while downplaying social and environmental factors—including the role of the food industry in food systems. Public-private partnerships can foster subtle obligations of reciprocity between public officials and industry representatives, as well as undermining trust and confidence in policymakers. Case studies include the Public Health Responsibility Deal Networks in the U.K., and the MyPlate icon in the U.S.
