Major barriers to nutrition-related evidence-informed decision-making related to ultra-processed foods

This study examines the corporate political activities (CPAs) of ultra-processed food (UPF) manufacturers in Senegal, focusing on the regulation of bouillon seasonings, a widely consumed sodium-rich product linked to the high prevalence of hypertension in the population. It aims to understand how the regulatory process has unfolded and the role of scientific evidence in shaping policies. The goal is to provide recommendations for facilitating nutrition-related evidence-informed policymaking.

The Nutrition Research Facility (NRF) conducted a series of consultations with decision-makers in EU Member States, EU partner countries, within Delegations of the EU in partner countries and within the European Commission, in order to identify their current concerns in relation to nutrition issues in development contexts. This question arose from a consultation workshop focusing on African countries. (NRF, 2022).

The fieldwork was conducted in Dakar, Senegal, over three months (September–November 2023). Data collection included:

• Stakeholder interviews: 48 interviews with key informants identified during exploratory fieldwork and through snowball sampling.
• Multi-stakeholder observations: 4 observations of policy consultations.
• Document analysis: 37 documents reviwed, including institutional and internal reports, media materials, and conference presentations.
  Data were analysed using a CPAs framework and process-tracing methodology to map policy processes, stakeholder dynamics, and the use of scientific evidence.

The study highlights significant tensions between the economic interests of industrial bouillon manufacturers and public health priorities in Senegal. The governance, led by the Ministries of Industry and Trade, sidelines the Ministry of Health, is fragmented, while manufacturers employ influence strategies (lobbying, legal mobilisation, and scientific arguments) to weaken regulations. Civil society, though active, struggles to assert influence due to limited resources. Additionally, weak national research capacity and reliance on foreign laboratories undermine the sovereignty of nutrition policies.

The study emphasises the need to strengthen the role of the Ministry of Health in regulating ultra-processed foods, to enforce robust and independent regulatory frameworks, and to promote transparency through inclusive stakeholder consultations. Enhancing national research capacity is crucial to reduce reliance on foreign laboratories and ensure policy sovereignty. Additionally, supporting local SMEs to develop healthier alternatives to industrial bouillons and launching large-scale public awareness campaigns on the health risks of excessive sodium consumption are essential steps to align public health priorities with economic and cultural considerations.

By addressing the regulation of ultra-processed foods like bouillons in Senegal, the study highlights critical issues at the intersection of public health, economic development, and governance. The study’s findings contribute to addressing global challenges, such as non-communicable diseases and malnutrition, while promoting equitable economic growth and safeguarding cultural and public health priorities.

Main contact: Amélie Wood

Organisation: CIRAD

Email address: amelie.v.wood@protonmail.com

Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Transformation Économiques et Sociales - LARTES-IFAN - Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar