Ultra-processed products industry operating as an interest group

ABSTRACT The participation of the ultra-processed products industry in efforts to reduce obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases has been questioned, especially because there is evidence of its interference in policy-making processes. This article builds on the Collective Action Theory and the literature of political science to discuss the role of this sector as a special interest group that uses its significant economic power to influence government decisions in its favor. In Brazil, its participation occurs mainly with industry associations. However, it has not yet been established whether their interests prevail in the decision-making process. It has been suggested that research should be carried out to determine the degree of success of their actions, identifying the conditions associated with the convergence of policy results with their interests and indicating to what extent civil society organizations are able to make public interests override private ones.

摘要
超加工食品产业（ultra-processed products industry）参与减少肥胖及与膳食相关非传染性疾病的相关举措一事一直受到质疑，尤其有证据表明该产业会干预政策制定进程。本文基于集体行动理论（Collective Action Theory）与政治学研究文献，探讨该产业作为特殊利益集团，凭借其雄厚经济实力影响政府决策以谋取自身利益的角色。在巴西，该产业的参与主要通过行业协会开展。然而目前尚未明确，其利益是否会在决策过程中占据上风。有研究建议，应开展相关研究以评估其行动的成效程度，明确政策结果与该产业利益相契合的相关条件，并阐明民间社会组织在多大程度上能够推动公共利益凌驾于私人利益之上。