Submitted case: Exposing the Conflict of Interest in Alcohol Industry-Funded Science

The involvement of alcohol companies such as AB InBev in funding scientific research is a troubling practice that compromises public health messaging. A recent study, published on the Frontiers in Public Health platform, illustrates this ongoing issue. When the very industries that profit from alcohol consumption are involved in funding research, it creates a conflict of interest that can bias results and mislead both the public and policymakers.

A study published in 2020 found that since 2009, there has been a 56% increase in research funded by alcohol companies or affiliated organisations. The scale of alcohol industry sponsorship of scientific research raises concerns over the potential for bias, conflicts of interest and selective reporting of outcomes, the researchers say.

WHO has consistently warned about the influence of the alcohol industry on public policy and health research. The Global Alcohol Action Plan specifically calls for transparency in research and decision-making processes to ensure that public health, not corporate profits, guides alcohol policy.
It’s crucial to establish strict guidelines to prevent the alcohol industry from influencing research, so that public health can be protected without interference from corporate agendas.

Deception is Big Alcohol’s activity to hinder and obscure public recognition of the real effects of alcohol. The focus of the DUBIOUS FIVE strategy of deception is the public’s recognition of the full extent of alcohol harm, the understanding of the risk caused by alcohol products, and the root causes of alcohol harm and their most effective alcohol policy solutions. Using deception strategies Big Alcohol seeks to fuel cognitive dissonance among the public.

Sources:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1416190/abstract
https://coi.ufl.edu/2020/09/21/increase-in-alcohol-industry-funded-research-is-a-cause-for-concern-study-suggests
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240090101

Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1416190/abstract

What brand are you exposing? NA

What company are you exposing? AB InBev

Please briefly describe the alcohol industry misconduct you are reporting. What happened and what is the problem?

This is a study conducted by persons with a conflict of interest. This is a problem because it compromises the credibility of the results, but it also favors the framing of the issues it addresses in a way that favors the alcohol industry.

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