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Resumo O estudo analisou os potenciais conflitos de interesses (CDI) que envolvem o setor privado comercial no âmbito das políticas de promoção da saúde (PS), especialmente em sua interface com o campo da alimentação e nutrição no Brasil. Consideraram-se as influências do ideário internacional nesse processo e, para tal, foram analisadas as duas edições da Política Nacional de Promoção da Saúde (2006 e 2014) e os pactos internacionais que as subsidiaram. O estudo pautou-se em método de análise documental, considerando as seguintes dimensões e categorias de análise: na dimensão do ideário da PS foram identificados os enfoques, os princípios e as estratégias propostos; na dimensão dos CDI foram identificadas a abordagem do tema nos documentos, as relações com o setor privado comercial, e as propostas denominadas “parcerias público-privado”. Concluiu-se que a abordagem de CDI ainda é frágil nessas políticas. O debate é despolitizado quando não são explicitadas as assimetrias de poder entre os setores envolvidos nas relações público-privado, ou quando são desconsideradas as práticas do setor privado comercial que ferem objetivos, princípios e valores das políticas de PS.

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IntroductionIn 2020, Brazil approved the introduction of a new front-of-package nutrition labeling (FoPNL) in the format of a magnifying glass (MG) after years of discussion. There is currently a lack of understanding of the role of the food industry in that process. This study aimed to describe the corporate political activity (CPA) of the food industry and conflicts of interest situations, as they happened during the development and approval of a new FoPNL system in Brazil.Materials and methodsWe undertook bibliographical and documentary searches using material from food companies, trade associations and front groups involved in the regulatory process. We (1) collected information about the case study context, (2) collected data from documentary sources, and (3) prepared a synthesis of the results and a timeline of key events.Results/DiscussionDuring the FoPNL regulatory process in Brazil, the food industry opposed the introduction of warning labels, a model supported by health authorities and implemented with success in other countries in Latin America. The food industry rather promoted a traffic-light labeling system, known to be less effective at guiding individuals to make healthier food choices. Later in the process, when it was evident that its preferred model would not be used, and a MG would rather be introduced, the food industry argued for the use of a different version of this FoPNL model. We found that the food industry, all along the process, was directly involved in and influenced the development of the FoPNL, by providing technical support, advising and lobbying policymakers. The food industry also established relationships with a consumer non-governmental organization and nutrition professional societies. The food industry also produced and disseminated information supporting its position in order to influence public opinion and high-level decision makers, and used the legal system to delay the process.ConclusionThe FoPNL in Brazil is neither aligned with the recommendations of international health organizations nor with existing independent scientific evidence. The new FoPNL, as adopted in Brazil, reflects some of the preferences of the industry; it is likely that the influence of that sector during the legislative process was pivotal, even if its initial proposal was not adopted.