Four major US food companies join forces to steer public policy

The four companies involved are some of the US’ biggest and best-known food manufacturers.

Four of the US’ largest food companies have joined forces to form a new organisation, which will aim to shape public policy regarding what consumers eat and how it affects their health, their communities and the planet.

The Sustainable Food Policy Alliance consists of Danone North America, Mars Incorporated, Nestlé USA, and Unilever United States.

Between them, the four founding members have already taken significant independent steps to address consumer concern around nutrition, sustainability and responsible advertising. Together, they will join forces to advocate for public policy in five priority areas.

They include improving the quality and accessibility of information available to consumers about the food they purchase; supporting science-based approaches to the environment, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and climate change; and developing policies that help consumers make better-informed food choices.

As part of their alliance, the four companies will also focus on food safety and people: they have agreed to work together to ensure the quality and safety of food products and of the global supply chain; and advance policies that promote a strong, diverse and healthy workplace as well as a strong supply chain, including in rural communities.

Five priority areas

The four companies to sign up to the alliance from its outset will focus on five key points:

• Consumer transparency
• Environment
• Food Safety
• Nutrition
• People and communities

In a joint statement, the CEOs of Danone North America and Nestlé USA, as well as the presidents of Mars Wrigley Confectionery and Unilever United States, said: “The Sustainable Food Policy Alliance was founded on the principle that food companies can and should be doing more to lead and drive positive policy action for the people who buy and enjoy the foods and beverages we make, the people who supply them, and the planet on which we all rely.

“As an alliance, we commit first and foremost to leading by example. Each member company has independently proven a willingness to advocate for the long-term interests of the people who farm and supply our raw materials, and people who make and consume our products.

“We are committed to a collaborative approach and to listen and learn about issues affecting all parts of our food system from the field to the store shelf and beyond. We understand that we don’t have all the answers and will rely on the best available evidence-based science to inform our positions. We will be transparent about how we reach our decisions and what we hope to achieve.

“With so many pressing food policy opportunities on the horizon, now is the time to help steer America’s food policy and our food system on a better path for long-term success.”