Recently, the University of California Food Observer published an interview with Pat Crawford, senior director of research at the Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI) at the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and adjunct professor in the School of Public Health at UC Berkeley.
The interview touches on food policy, nutrition research, epidemiologic studies, and MyPlate politics.
This question, however, stood out to us most:
“Q: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recently received a great deal of negative attention when its new Kids Eat Right logo landed on Kraft Singles. They’ve had to walk back this decision, in part, due to pressure from their constituent group and folks like you. Any comments or insight you can provide on this situation? Is the logo a damaged brand now?
A: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recently embarked on a new partnership with the food industry. However, it is my understanding that the academy’s membership questioned the terms of the partnership, thus bringing into question the degree of separation of nutrition professionals from the influence of industry. Food industry sponsorship of speakers at annual meetings of the dietetics profession is another example of action that has begun to cloud the academy’s reputation. If the academy does not change its approach, I fear it could become a damaged brand.”
Well said. We hope Academy leadership begins to abandon the deeply-held idea that the opinion of non-dietitians doesn’t really matter.
Public perception — especially that from other health professionals — is crucial to the survival of any organization.
Leave a Comment