Healthy Skepticism: Countering misleading drug promotion advertising and promoting healthy skepticism about pharmaceutical marketing practices

Posted on by Corporations and Health Watch

Healthy Skepticism is an international non-profit organization with headquarters in Adelaide, Australia. Its website http://www.healthyskepticism.org offers a collection of journal articles focusing mainly on the problems that arise when pharmaceutical companies advertise directly to physicians and publishes a monthly newsletter for its member subscribers.

Healthy Skepticism is an international non-profit organization with headquarters in Adelaide, Australia.  Its website, www.healthyskepticism.org, offers a collection of journal articles focusing mainly on the problems that arise when pharmaceutical companies advertise directly to physicians.  Other articles deal with problems arising from Direct to Consumer (DTC) advertising, misleading and unethical advertisements, and issues such as government policies on pharmaceuticals. In a fact sheet, the organization offers seven reasons why we should all be concerned about the harmful effects of drug promotion.

This extensive collection includes references for over 16,000 articles and is updated regularly.  In addition, the organization publishes a monthly newsletter for its member subscribers, most of whom are physicians and pharmacists.  You may become a free subscriber by using this link http://www.healthyskepticism.org/lists/?p=subscribe.

News: New York City considers point-of-sale warning signs for tobacco products in convenience stores

Posted on by Corporations and Health Watch

In June 2009 Congress approved and President Obama signed legislation giving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco products. The FDA will also be allowed to restrict tobacco marketing to youth and require larger warnings on packages. The federal law also preserves state and local authority to adopt other tobacco control measures that they deem appropriate. So far, it appears that New York City is the first local jurisdiction in the United States to consider mandating point-of-sale warning signs since the passage of the federal legislation.
In June 2009 Congress approved and President Obama signed legislation giving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco products. (a video of the press conference on the signing of this legislation by President Obama is available here.)

Tobacco-industry critics had long argued that tobacco should not be exempt from important consumer protections such as ingredient disclosure, product testing, and restrictions on advertising to children. Advocacy groups such as the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, argued that in the United States, where products such as lipstick and macaroni-and-cheese are regulated to protect consumers, it did not make sense for the most deadly and addictive legal product in America to enjoy a special exemption (see a report by Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids titled Big Tobacco’s Guinea Pigs: How an Unregulated Industry Experiments on America’s Kids and Consumers [pdf]).

Under the new law, tobacco companies will be required to disclose all ingredients in their products to the FDA, including nicotine and the toxic constituents in cigarette smoke. The FDA will also be allowed to restrict tobacco marketing to youth and require larger warnings on packages. The federal law also preserves state and local authority to adopt other tobacco control measures that they deem appropriate. So far, it appears that New York City is the first local jurisdiction in the United States to consider mandating point-of-sale warning signs since the passage of the federal legislation (3).

Details about the proposed health code amendment in New York City

On June 24th 2009, the City Board of Health voted to solicit public comment on a health code amendment that would require all New York City tobacco retailers to display prominent point-of-sale warnings and cessation messages (3,8). The proposed signs would include a graphic that shows the heath risk associated with smoking and information about how to get help quitting. The proposed point-of-sale warnings would affect the city’s approximately 12,000 tobacco retailers. Not surprisingly, the posters are opposed by groups such as the New York Association of Convenience Stores (9) and the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (10). The Health Department said that although the tobacco industry or retailers may challenge the rule in court, the proposal would likely survive such a challenge because requiring the communication of factual information is constitutional. In a fact sheet [pdf], the New York City Health Department stated, “These warnings will provide factual health information about tobacco, while also providing useful information about how to avoid or overcome addiction to it. The goal is not to hurt retailers but to protect consumers. Retailers don’t have to sell tobacco. Those who choose to sell such a dangerous product have an obligation to warn people about the hazards.” The Health Department would provide the posters free of charge, and they would be available in multiple languages.

Scientific research supports such signage as a strategy to reduce the burden of tobacco use

Researchers believe that tobacco advertising has recently increased in retail stores and that these in store promotions are very effective in reaching children and teens (5). Studies indicate that 75 percent of teens shop in convenience stores at least once a week, and that they are more likely than adults to be influenced by advertisements (5). Despite laws against selling to minors, approximately 30% of youth smokers in New York City buy tobacco products in retail stores (7). And in New York City, approximately two-thirds of smokers would like to quit, but they need help in order to be successful (11).

Dr. Thomas Farley, the New York City Health Commissioner, noted that “Smoking continues to be the leading case of preventable death in New York City. While the tobacco industry spends billions to glamorize smoking, we will show New Yorkers the harsh realities. These warning signs will help persuade smokers to quit and show children why they shouldn’t start to smoke” (3).

The evidence underlying point-of-sale warnings is strong and persuasive. Interested readers can review the Health Department’s Notice to the Public [pdf] that provides an overview of this evidence and specific details of the proposal (12). If the New York City Board of Health votes to introduce such signs in retail outlets, advocates hope to see reductions in tobacco sales to young people as well as an increase in the use of smoking cessation services for those seeking to quit.

 

References

1. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Fact Sheet “Toll of Tobacco in the United States.” http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0072.pdf. Accessed August 21, 2009.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Annual Smoking-Attributable Mortality, Years of Potential Life Lost, and Economic Cost – United States, 1995-1999. MMWR 2002;51(14):300-303.

3. New York City Department of Health. Press Release dated June 24, 2009. “Board of Health votes to invite public comment on a health code amendment requiring New York City Tobacco Retailers to Post Health Warning Signs.” http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/pr2009/pr045-09.shtml.  Accessed August 21, 2009.

4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The Health Consequences of Smoking: A Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Deparmtnet of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention ad Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2004.

5. Press Release dated June 4, 2009.  Schumer Reveals: Almost 100,000 NYS children will try their first tobacco product this year. Targeted News Service. http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/record.cfm?id=313941.  Accessed August 21, 2009.

6. Presentation by Anne Pearson, Senior Legal Council for Policy.  Bureau of Tobacco Control, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  June 24, 2009. http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/notice/proposal-smoking-cessation.pdf.  Accessed August 21, 2009.

7. Unpublished data. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Epidemiology Services: New York City Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2007. .  Cited in presentation by Anne Pearson, Senior Legal Council for Policy.  Bureau of Tobacco Control, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  June 24, 2009.

8. Factsheet by New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, June 25, 2009.  Proposed amendment to the New York City Health Code would require tobacco retailers to post health warning sigs at the point of sale.   http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/notice/proposal-smoking-cessation-faq.pdf.  Accessed August 21, 2009.

9. Press Release dated August 3, 2009.  NYACS opposes tobacco warning signs.  State News Service. http://www.csnews.com/csn/cat_management/tobacco/article_
display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003999446.  Accessed August 21, 2009.

10. Premium Cigar Retailers Oppose New York City Anti-Tobacco Moves.  July 30, 2009.  PRWeb.  http://www.topix.com/content/prweb/2009/07/premium-cigar-retailers-oppose-new-york-city-anti-tobacco-moves.  Accessed August 21, 2009.

11. Unpublished data.  New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Epidemiology Services: New York City Community Health Survey 2008; April 2009.  Cited in presentation by Anne Pearson, Senior Legal Council for Policy.  Bureau of Tobacco Control, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  June 24, 2009. Accessed August 21, 2009.

12. Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Board of Health.  Notice of Intention to Amend Article 181 of the New York City Health Code.    Notice of Public Hearing on July 30, 2009. http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/notice/notice-of-intention-amend-article-181.pdf. Accessed August 21, 2009.

 

Photo Credits:
1. niznoz
2. skaterftf

Selected Bibliography on Retail Practices and Health by Industry

Posted on by Corporations and Health Watch

Selected Bibliography on Retail Practices and Health in the Alcohol, Automobile, Firearms, Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical, and Tobacco industries.

 

Alcohol Industry

  • Cohen DA, GhoshDastidar B, Scribner R, Miu A, Scott M, Robinson P, et al. Alcohol outlets, gonorrhea, and the Los Angeles civil unrest: A longitudinal analysis. Soc Sci Med. 2006;62(12):3062-3071.
  • Gruenewald PJ, Freisthler B, Remer L, Lascala EA, Treno A. Ecological models of alcohol outlets and violent assaults: Crime potentials and geospatial analysis. Addiction. 2006;101(5):666-677.
  • Gruenewald PJ, Johnson FW, Treno AJ. Outlets, drinking and driving: A multilevel analysis of availability. Stud Alcoho. 2002;63(4):460-468.
  • Gruenewald PJ, Millar AB, Treno AJ, Yang Z, Ponicki WR, Roeper P. The geography of availability and driving after drinking. Addiction. 1996;91(7):967-983.
  • Kotecki JE, Fowler JB, German TC, Stephenson SL, Warnick T. Kentucky pharmacists’ opinions and practices related to the sale of cigarettes and alcohol in pharmacies. J Community Health. 2000;25(4):343-355.
  • Lapham SC, Gruenwald PJ, Remer L, Layne L. New Mexico’s 1998 driveup liquor window closure. Study I: Effect on alcohol involved crashes. Addiction. 2004;99(5):598-606.
  • Miller T, Snowden C, Birckmayer J, Hendrie D. Retail alcohol monopolies, underage drinking, and youth impaired driving deaths. Accid Anal Prev. 2006;38(6):1162-1167.
  • Montgomery JM, Foley KL, Wolfson M. Enforcing the minimum drinking age: State, local and agency characteristics associated with compliance checks and Cops in Shops programs. Addiction. 2006;101(2):223-231.
  • Reynolds RI, Holder HD, Gruenewald PJ. Community prevention and alcohol retail access. Addiction. 1997;92 Suppl 2:S261-S272.
  • Treno AJ, Gruenewald PJ, Johnson FW. Alcohol availability and injury: The role of local outlet densities.  Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2001;25(10):1467-1471.
  • Treno AJ, Gruenewald PJ, Wood DS, Ponicki WR. The price of alcohol: A consideration of contextual factors. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2006;30(10):1734-1742.
  • Treno AJ, Grube JW, Martin SE. Alcohol availability as a predictor of youth drinking and driving: A hierarchical analysis of survey and archival data. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2003;27(5):835-840.

 

Automobile Industry

  • Devaraj S, Matta KF, Conlon E.  Product and Service Quality: The Antecedents of Customer Loyalty in the Automotive Industry. Production and Operations Management.  2001; 10(4): 424-439.
  • Hellinga LA, McCartt AT, Haire ER. Choice of teenagers’ vehicles and views on vehicle safety: Survey of parents of novice teenage drivers. J Safety Res.2007;38(6):707-713.
  • Joetan E, Kleiner BH. Incentive practices in the US automobile industry. Management Research News. 2004;27(7):49–62.
  • Koppel S, Charlton J, Fildes B, Fitzharris M. How important is vehicle safety in the new vehicle purchase process? Accid Anal Prev. 2008;40(3):994-1004.
  • Koppel S, Charlton J, Fildes B. How important is vehicle safety in the new vehicle purchase/lease process for fleet vehicles? Traffic Inj Prev. 2007;8(2):130-136.
  • Van Alst JW.  Fueling Fair Practices: A Road Map to Improved Public Policy for Used Car Sales and Financing, National Consumer Law Center, (March 5, 2008), Available at http://www.nclc.org/issues/auto/content/report-fuelingfairpractices0309.pdf.

 

Firearms Industry

  • Cook, PJ, Molliconi S, Cole, TB.Regulating gun markets. The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. 1995;86(1):59-92.
  • Lewin NL, Vernick JS, Beilenson PL, Mair JS, Lindamood MM, Teret SP, Webster DW. The Baltimore Youth Ammunition Initiative: A model application of local public health authority in preventing gun violence. Am J Public Health. 2005;95(5):762-765.
  • Miller M, Azrael D, Hemenway D. Firearm availability and unintentional deaths, suicide, and homicide among 5-14 year olds. The Journal of Trauma. 2002;52(2):267-275.
  • Miller M, Azrael D, Hemenway D. Firearm availability and unintentional deaths. Accident Analysis and Prevention. 2001;33:477-484.
  • Miller M, Azrael D, Hemenway D. Firearm availability and unintentional deaths, suicide, and homicide among women. Journal of Urban Health. 2002; 79(1):26-38.
  • Sorenson SB, Berk RA. Handgun sales, beer sales, and youth homicide, California 1972-1993. Journal of Public Health Policy. 2001;22(2):182-197.
  • Vernick JS, Mair JS. How the law affects gun policy in the United States: Law as intervention or obstacle to prevention. J Law Med Ethics. 2002;30(4):692-704.
  • Vernick JS, Webster DW, Bulzacchelli MT, Mair JS. Regulation of firearm dealers in the United States: An analysis of state law and opportunities for improvement. J Law Med Ethics. 2006;34(4):765-775.
  • Webster DW, Vernick JS, Buzacchelli MT. Effects of a gun dealer’s change in sales practices on the supply of guns to criminals. The Journal of Urban Health. 2006; 83(5):778-787.
  • Webster DW, Bulzacchelli MT, Zeoli AM, Vernick JS. Effects of undercover police stings of gun dealers on the supply of new guns to criminals. Inj Prev. 2006;12(4):225-230.
  • Webster DW, Vernick JS, Bulzacchelli MT. Effects of state-level firearm seller accountability policies on firearm trafficking. J Urban Health. 2009;86(4):525-537.
  • Webster DW, Vernick JS, Hepburn LM. Relationship between licensing, registration, and other gun sales laws and the source state of crime guns. Inj Prev. 2001;7(3):184-189.
  • Wintemute GJ. Where the guns come from: The gun industry and gun commerce. The Future of Children. 2003;12(2):55-71.

 

Food and Beverage Industry

  • Altekruse SF, Yang S, Timbo BB, Angulo FJ. A multi-state survey of consumer food-handling and food-consumption practices. Am J Prev Med. 1999;16(3):216-221.
  • Angell SY, Silver LD, Goldstein GP, Johnson CM, Deitcher DR, Frieden TR, Bassett MT. Cholesterol control beyond the clinic: New York City’s trans fat restriction. Ann Intern Med. 2009;151(2):129-134.
  • Austin SB, Melly SJ, Sanchez BN, Patel A, Buka S, Gortmaker SL. Clustering of fast food restaurants around schools: A novel application of spatial statistics to the study of food environments. Am J Public Health. 2005;95(9):1575-1581.
  • Baker EA, Schootman M, Barnidge E, Kelly C. The role of race and poverty in access to foods that enable individuals to adhere to dietary guidelines. Prev Chronic Dis. 2006;3(3):A76.
  • Borgmeier I, Westenhoefer J. Impact of different food label formats on healthiness evaluation and food choice of consumers: A randomized-controlled study. BMC Public Health. 2009;12(9):184.
  • Burton S, Creyer EH, Kees J, Huggins K. Attacking the obesity epidemic: the potential health benefits of providing nutrition information in restaurants. Am J Public Health.2006;96(9):1669-1675.
  • Cassady D, Housemann R, Dagher C. Measuring cues for healthy choices on restaurant menus: Development and testing of a measurement instrument. Am J Health Promot. 2004;18(6):444-449.
  • Creel JS, Sharkey JR, McIntosh A, Anding J, Huber JC Jr. Availability of healthier options in traditional and nontraditional rural fast-food outlets. BMC Public Health. 2008;8:395.
  • Dumanovsky T, Nonas CA, Huang CY, Silver LD, Bassett MT. What people buy from fast-food restaurants: Caloric content and menu item selection, New York City 2007. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2009; 17(7):1369-1374.
  • Dwyer JJ, Macaskill LA, Uetrecht CL, Dombrow C. Eat Smart! Ontario’s Healthy Restaurant Program: Focus groups with non-participating restaurant operators. Can J Diet Pract Res. 2004.;65(1):6-9.
  • Economos CD, Folta SC, Goldberg J, Hudson D, Collins J, Baker Z, Lawson E, Nelson M. A community-based restaurant initiative to increase availability of healthy menu options in Somerville, Massachusetts: Shape Up Somerville. Prev Chronic Dis. 2009.;6(3):A102
  • Fielding JE, Aguirre A, Palaiologos E. Effectiveness of altered incentives in a food safety inspection program. Prev Med. 2001;32(3):239-244.
  • Ford PB, Dzewaltowski DA. Disparities in obesity prevalence due to variation in the retail food environment: Three testable hypotheses. Nutr Rev. 2008 Apr;66(4):216-228.
  • French SA, Harnack L, Jeffery RW. Fast food restaurant use among women in the Pound of Prevention study: Dietary, behavioral and demographic correlates. International Journal of Obesity & Related Metabolic Disorders. 2000;24(1):1353.
  • French SA. Pricing effects on food choices. J.Nutr. 2003;133(3):841S-843S.
  • French SA, Jeffery RW, Story M, Breitlow KK, Baxter JS, Hannan P, et al. Pricing and promotion effects on lowfat vending snack purchases: The CHIPS Study. Am J Public Health. 2001 ;91(1):112-117.
  • French SA, Story M, Neumark Sztainer D, Fulkerson JA, Hannan P. Fast food restaurant use among adolescents: Associations with nutrient intake, food choices and behavioral and psychosocial variables. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2001;25(12):1823-1833.
  • Fried EJ, Nestle M. The growing political movement against soft drinks in schools. JAMA.2002 ;288(1):2181-2181.
  • Gerend MA. Does calorie information promote lower calorie fast food choices among college students? J Adolesc Health. 2009;44(1):84-86.
  • Glanz K, Resnicow K, Seymour J, Hoy K, Stewart H, Lyons M, Goldberg J. How major restaurant chains plan their menus: The role of profit, demand, and health. Am J Prev Med. 2007;32(5):383-388.
  • Hannan P, French SA, Story M, Fulkerson JA. A pricing strategy to promote sales of lower fat foods in high school cafeterias: Acceptability and sensitivity analysis. Am.J.Health Promot. 2002 ;17(1):16,ii.
  • Hanni KD, Garcia E, Ellemberg C, Winkleby M. Targeting the taqueria: Implementing healthy food options at Mexican American restaurants. Health Promot Pract. 2009;10(2 Suppl):91S-99S.
  • Harnack LJ, French SA. Effect of point-of-purchase calorie labeling on restaurant and cafeteria food choices: A review of the literature. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2008 Oct 26;5:51.
  • Harnack LJ, French SA, Oakes JM, Story MT, Jeffery RW, Rydell SA. Effects of calorie labeling and value size pricing on fast food meal choices: Results from an experimental trial. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2008 ;5:63.
  • Jacobson MF, Brownell KD. Small taxes on soft drinks and snack foods to promote health. Am J Public Health 2000;90:854-857.
  • Jetter KM, Cassady DL. Increasing fresh fruit and vegetable availability in a low-income neighborhood convenience store: A pilot study. Health Promot Pract. 2009 Feb 12. [Epub ahead of print]
  • Kim D, Kawachi I. Food taxation and pricing strategies to “thin out” the obesity epidemic.  Am. J. Prev. Med. 2006;30(5):430-437.
  • Kimathi AN, Gregoire MB, Dowling RA, Stone MK. A healthful options food station can improve satisfaction and generate gross profit in a worksite cafeteria. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109(5):914-917.
  • Kuo T, Jarosz CJ, Simon P, Fielding JE. Menu labeling as a potential strategy for combating the obesity epidemic: A health impact assessment. Am J Public Health. 2009;99(9):1680-1686.
  • Kwate N O A. Fried chicken and fresh apples: Racial segregation as a fundamental cause of fast food density in black neighborhoods. Health and Place. 2008;14:32-44.
  • Kwate NO, Yau CY, Loh JM, Williams D. Inequality in obesigenic environments: Fast food density in New York City. Healthand Place. 2009;15(1):364-73
  • Lang T, Rayner G, Kaelin E. The Food Industry, Diet, Physical Activity and Health: A Review Of Reported Commitments And Practice Of 25 Of The World’s Largest Food Companies. 2006.
  • Larson NI, Story MT, Nelson MC. Neighborhood environments: Disparities in access to healthy foods in the U.S. Am J Prev Med. 2009;36(1):74-81.
  • Ludwig DS, Brownell KD. Public health action amid scientific uncertainty: The case of restaurant calorie labeling regulations. JAMA. 2009;302(4):434-435.
  • Lynch RA, Elledge BL, Griffith CC, Boatright DT. A comparison of food safety knowledge among restaurant managers, by source of training and experience, in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. J Environ Health. 2003;66(2):9-14, 26.
  • Macdonald L, Cummins S, Macintyre S. Neighbourhood fast food environment and area deprivation-substitution or concentration? Appetite. 2007l;49(1):251-254.
  • Maddock J. The relationship between obesity and the prevalence of fast food restaurants: State level analysis. Am J Health Promot. 2004;19(2):137-143.
  • Mashta O. UK firms sign up to display calories on menus. BMJ. 2009;338:b182.
  • Morland KB, Evenson KR. Obesity prevalence and the local food environment.  Health and Place. 2009; 15(2):491-495
  • Nielsen SJ, Siega Riz AM, Popkin BM. Trends in food locations and sources among adolescents and young adults. Prev Med. 2002;35(2):107-113.
  • O’Dougherty M, Harnack LJ, French SA, Story M, Oakes JM, Jeffery RW. Nutrition labeling and value size pricing at fast-food restaurants: A consumer perspective. Am J Health Promot. 2006;20(4):247-250.
  • Phillips ML, Elledge BL, Basara HG, Lynch RA, Boatright DT. Recurrent critical violations of the food code in retail food service establishments. J Environ Health. 2006;68(10):24-30, 55.
  • Pomeranz JL, Brownell KD. Legal and public health considerations affecting  the success, reach, and impact of menu-labeling laws. Am J Public Health. 2008;98(9):1578-1583.
  • Roberto CA, Agnew H, Brownell KD. An observational study of consumers’ accessing of nutrition information in chain restaurants. Am J Public Health. 2009;99(5):820-821.
  • Rose D, Hutchinson PL, Bodor JN, Swalm CM, Farley TA, Cohen DA, Rice JC. Neighborhood food environments and Body Mass Index: The importance of in-store contents. Am J Prev Med. 2009;37(3):214-219.
  • Rydell SA, Harnack LJ, Oakes JM, Story M, Jeffery RW, French SA. Why eat at fast-food restaurants: reported reasons among frequent consumers. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108(12):2066-2070.
  • Sharkey JR, Horel S, Han D, Huber JC Jr. Association between neighborhood need and spatial access to food stores and fast food restaurants in neighborhoods of colonias. Int J Health Geogr. 2009;8:9.
  • Song HJ, Gittelsohn J, Kim M, Suratkar S, Sharma S, Anliker J. A corner store intervention in a low-income urban community is associated with increased availability and sales of some healthy foods. Public Health Nutr. 2009:1-8.
  • Spencer EH, Frank E, McIntosh NF. Potential effects of the next 100 billion hamburgers sold by McDonald’s. Am.J.Prev.Med. 2005 ;28(4):379-381.
  • Story M, Kaphingst KM, Robinson-O’Brien R, Glanz K. Creating healthy food and eating environments: Policy and environmental approaches. Annu Rev Public Health. 2008;29:253-72.

 

Pharmaceutical Industry

  • Brooks JM, Doucette WR, Wan S, Klepser DG. Retail pharmacy market structure and performance. Inquiry. 2008;45(1):75-88.
  • Carroll NV. Estimating the impact of Medicare part D on the profitability of independent community pharmacies. J Manag Care Pharm. 2008;14(8):768-779.
  • Fincham JE. An unfortunate and avoidable component of American pharmacy: Tobacco. Am J Pharm Educ. 2008;72(3):57
  • Garattini L, Motterlini N, Cornago D. Prices and distribution margins of in-patent drugs in pharmacy: A comparison in seven European countries. Health Policy. 2008;85(3):305-313.
  • Gellad WF, Choudhry NK, Friedberg MW, Brookhart MA, Haas JS, Shrank WH. Variation in drug prices at pharmacies: Are prices higher in poorer areas? Health Serv Res. 2009;44(2 Pt 1):606-617.
  • Gitlin M, Wilson L. Repackaged pharmaceuticals in the California workers’ compensation system: From distribution and pricing options to physician and retail dispensing. Am J Ind Med. 2007;50(4):303-315.
  • Montoya ID, Jano E. Online pharmacies: Safety and regulatory considerations. Int J Health Serv. 2007;37(2):279-289.
  • Retail and mail copayments on the rise. Manag Care. 2009;18(6):50.
  • Rudholm N. Entry of new pharmacies in the deregulated Norwegian pharmaceuticals market– consequences for costs and availability. Health Policy.2008;87(2):258-263
  • Stafford E. Pharmacy initiatives target prescription drug costs. J Mich Dent Assoc. 2008;90(9):22.
  • Stevenson FA, Leontowitsch M, Duggan C. Over-the-counter medicines: Professional expertise and consumer discourses. Sociol Health Illn. 2008;30(6):913-928.

 

Tobacco Industry

  • Andersen BS, Begay ME, Lawson CB. Breaking the alliance: Defeating the tobacco industry’s allies and enacting youth access restrictions in Massachusetts. Am J Public Health. 2003;93(11):1922-1928.
  • Celebucki CC, Diskin K. A longitudinal study of externally visible cigarette advertising on retail storefronts in Massachusetts before and after the Master Settlement Agreement. Tob Control. 2002;11 Suppl 2:ii47-53.
  • Chriqui JF, Ribisl KM, Wallace RM, Williams RS, O’Connor JC, el Arculli R. A comprehensive review of state laws governing Internet and other delivery sales of cigarettes in the United States. Nicotine Tob Res. 2008;10(2):253-265.
  • Feighery EC, Ribisl KM, Achabal DD, Tyebjee T. Retail trade incentives: How tobacco industry practices compare with those of other industries. Am J Public Health. 1999;89(10):1564-1566.
  • Feighery EC, Ribisl KM, Clark PI, Haladjian HH. How tobacco companies ensure prime placement of their advertising and products in stores: Interviews with retailers about tobacco company incentive programmes. Tob Control. 2003;12(2):184-188.
  • Feighery EC, Ribisl KM, Schleicher N, Lee RE, Halvorson S. Cigarette advertising and promotional strategies in retail outlets: results of a statewide survey in California. Tob Control. 2001;10(2):184-188.
  • Feighery EC, Ribisl KM, Schleicher NC, Clark PI. Retailer participation in cigarette company incentive programs is related to increased levels of cigarette advertising and cheaper cigarette prices in stores. Prev Med. 2004;38(6):876-884.
  • Gilbertson T. Retail point-of-sale guardianship and juvenile tobacco purchases: assessing the prevention capabilities of undergraduate college students. J Drug Educ. 2007;37(1):1-30.
  • Gilpin EA, White VM, Pierce JP. How effective are tobacco industry bar and club marketing efforts in reaching young adults? Tob Control. 2005;14(3):186-192.
  • Glanz K, Sutton NM, Jacob Arriola KR. Operation storefront Hawaii: Tobacco advertising and promotion in Hawaii stores. J Health Commun. 2006;11(7):699-707.
  • Henriksen L, Feighery EC, Schleicher NC, Cowling DW, Kline RS, Fortmann SP. Is adolescent smoking related to the density and proximity of tobacco outlets and retail cigarette advertising near schools? Prev Med. 2008;47(2):210-4.
  • Henriksen L, Feighery EC, Schleicher NC, Haladjian HH, Fortmann SP. Reaching youth at the point of sale: cigarette marketing is more prevalent in stores where adolescents shop frequently. Tob Control. 2004;13(3):315-318.
  • Henriksen L, Feighery EC, Wang Y, Fortmann SP. Association of retail tobacco marketing with adolescent smoking. Am J Public Health. 2004;94(12):2081-2083.
  • Lavack AM, Toth G. Tobacco point-of-purchase promotion: Examining tobacco industry documents. Tob Control. 2006;15(5):377-384.
  • Loomis BR, Farrelly MC, Mann NH. The association of retail promotions for cigarettes with the Master Settlement Agreement, tobacco control programmes and cigarette excise taxes. Tob Control. 2006;15(6):458-463.
  • Loomis BR, Farrelly MC, Nonnemaker JM, Mann NH. Point of purchase cigarette promotions before and after the Master Settlement Agreement: exploring retail scanner data. Tob Control. 2006;15(2):140-
  • Pollay RW. More than meets the eye: on the importance of retail cigarette merchandising. Tob Control. 2007;16(4):270-274.
  • Sepe E, Ling PM, Glantz SA. Smooth moves: bar and nightclub tobacco promotions that target young adults. Am J Public Health. 2002;92(3):414-419.
  • Slater S, Chaloupka FJ, Wakefield M. State variation in retail promotions and advertising for Marlboro cigarettes. Tob Control. 2001;10(4):337-339.
  • Slater S, Giovino G, Chaloupka F. Surveillance of tobacco industry retail marketing activities of reduced harm products. Nicotine Tob Res. 2008;10(1):187-193.
  • Slater SJ, Chaloupka FJ, Wakefield M, Johnston LD, O’malley PM. The impact of retail cigarette marketing practices on youth smoking uptake. Arch Pediatr Adolesc. Med. 2007;161(5):440-445.
  • Slater SJ, Chaloupka FJ, Wakefield M, Johnston LD, O’Malley PM. The impact of retail cigarette marketing practices on youth smoking uptake. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007;161(5):440-445.
  • Smith EA, Blackman VS, Malone RE. Death at a discount: how the tobacco industry thwarted tobacco control policies in US military commissaries. Tob Control. 2007;16(1):38-46.

 

Studies of Multiple Industries

  • Ashe M, Jernigan D, Kline R, Galaz R. Land use planning and the control of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and fast food restaurants. Am J Public Health. 2003;93(9):1404-1408.
  • Feighery EC, Ribisl KM, Achabal DD, Tyebjee T. Retail trade incentives: how tobacco industry practices compare with those of other industries. Am J Public Health. 1999;89(10):1564-1566.
  • Freudenberg N, Galea S, Fahs M. Changing corporate practices to reduce cancer disparities. J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2008; 19(1):26-40.
  • Hemenway D. The public health approach to motor vehicles, tobacco, and alcohol, with applications to firearms policy. J Public Health Policy. 2001;22(4):381-402.
  • Kotecki JE. Sale of alcohol in pharmacies: results and implications of an empirical study. J Community Health. 2003;28(1):65-77.

Selected Bibliography on Retail Practices and Health by Industry

Posted on by Corporations and Health Watch

Selected Bibliography on Retail Practices and Health in the Alcohol, Automobile, Firearms, Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical, and Tobacco industries.

Alcohol Industry

Cohen DA, GhoshDastidar B, Scribner R, Miu A, Scott M, Robinson P, et al. Alcohol outlets, gonorrhea, and the Los Angeles civil unrest: A longitudinal analysis. Soc Sci Med. 2006;62(12):3062-3071.

Gruenewald PJ, Freisthler B, Remer L, Lascala EA, Treno A. Ecological models of alcohol outlets and violent assaults: Crime potentials and geospatial analysis. Addiction. 2006;101(5):666-677.

Gruenewald PJ, Johnson FW, Treno AJ. Outlets, drinking and driving: A multilevel analysis of availability. Stud Alcoho. 2002;63(4):460-468.

Gruenewald PJ, Millar AB, Treno AJ, Yang Z, Ponicki WR, Roeper P. The geography of availability and driving after drinking.Addiction. 1996;91(7):967-983.

Kotecki JE, Fowler JB, German TC, Stephenson SL, Warnick T. Kentucky pharmacists’ opinions and practices related to the sale of cigarettes and alcohol in pharmacies. J Community Health. 2000;25(4):343-355.

Lapham SC, Gruenwald PJ, Remer L, Layne L. New Mexico’s 1998 driveup liquor window closure. Study I: Effect on alcohol involved crashes. Addiction. 2004;99(5):598-606.

Miller T, Snowden C, Birckmayer J, Hendrie D. Retail alcohol monopolies, underage drinking, and youth impaired driving deaths. Accid Anal Prev. 2006;38(6):1162-1167.

Montgomery JM, Foley KL, Wolfson M. Enforcing the minimum drinking age: State, local and agency characteristics associated with compliance checks and Cops in Shops programs. Addiction. 2006;101(2):223-231.

Reynolds RI, Holder HD, Gruenewald PJ. Community prevention and alcohol retail access. Addiction. 1997;92 Suppl 2:S261-S272.

Treno AJ, Gruenewald PJ, Johnson FW. Alcohol availability and injury: The role of local outlet densities.  Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2001;25(10):1467-1471.

Treno AJ, Gruenewald PJ, Wood DS, Ponicki WR. The price of alcohol: A consideration of contextual factors. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2006;30(10):1734-1742.

Treno AJ, Grube JW, Martin SE. Alcohol availability as a predictor of youth drinking and driving: A hierarchical analysis of survey and archival data. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2003;27(5):835-840.

 

Automobile Industry

Devaraj S, Matta KF, Conlon E.  Product and Service Quality: The Antecedents of Customer Loyalty in the Automotive Industry.Production and Operations Management.  2001; 10(4): 424-439.

Hellinga LA, McCartt AT, Haire ER. Choice of teenagers’ vehicles and views on vehicle safety: Survey of parents of novice teenage drivers. J Safety Res.2007;38(6):707-713.

Joetan E, Kleiner BH. Incentive practices in the US automobile industry. Management Research News. 2004;27(7):49–62.

Koppel S, Charlton J, Fildes B, Fitzharris M. How important is vehicle safety in the new vehicle purchase process? Accid Anal Prev. 2008;40(3):994-1004.

Koppel S, Charlton J, Fildes B. How important is vehicle safety in the new vehicle purchase/lease process for fleet vehicles?Traffic Inj Prev. 2007;8(2):130-136.

Van Alst JW.  Fueling Fair Practices: A Road Map to Improved Public Policy for Used Car Sales and Financing, National Consumer Law Center, (March 5, 2008), Available at http://www.nclc.org/issues/auto/content/report-fuelingfairpractices0309.pdf.

 

Firearms Industry

Cook, PJ, Molliconi S, Cole, TB.Regulating gun markets. The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. 1995;86(1):59-92.

Lewin NL, Vernick JS, Beilenson PL, Mair JS, Lindamood MM, Teret SP, Webster DW. The Baltimore Youth Ammunition Initiative: A model application of local public health authority in preventing gun violence. Am J Public Health. 2005;95(5):762-765.

Miller M, Azrael D, Hemenway D. Firearm availability and unintentional deaths, suicide, and homicide among 5-14 year olds. The Journal of Trauma. 2002;52(2):267-275.

Miller M, Azrael D, Hemenway D. Firearm availability and unintentional deaths. Accident Analysis and Prevention. 2001;33:477-484.

Miller M, Azrael D, Hemenway D. Firearm availability and unintentional deaths, suicide, and homicide among women.Journal of Urban Health. 2002; 79(1):26-38.

Sorenson SB, Berk RA. Handgun sales, beer sales, and youth homicide, California 1972-1993. Journal of Public Health Policy. 2001;22(2):182-197.

Vernick JS, Mair JS. How the law affects gun policy in the United States: Law as intervention or obstacle to prevention. J Law Med Ethics. 2002;30(4):692-704.

Vernick JS, Webster DW, Bulzacchelli MT, Mair JS. Regulation of firearm dealers in the United States: An analysis of state law and opportunities for improvement. J Law Med Ethics. 2006;34(4):765-775.

Webster DW, Vernick JS, Buzacchelli MT. Effects of a gun dealer’s change in sales practices on the supply of guns to criminals. The Journal of Urban Health. 2006; 83(5):778-787.

Webster DW, Bulzacchelli MT, Zeoli AM, Vernick JS. Effects of undercover police stings of gun dealers on the supply of new guns to criminals. Inj Prev. 2006;12(4):225-230.

Webster DW, Vernick JS, Bulzacchelli MT. Effects of state-level firearm seller accountability policies on firearm trafficking. J Urban Health. 2009;86(4):525-537.

Webster DW, Vernick JS, Hepburn LM. Relationship between licensing, registration, and other gun sales laws and the source state of crime guns. Inj Prev. 2001;7(3):184-189.

Wintemute GJ. Where the guns come from: The gun industry and gun commerce. The Future of Children. 2003;12(2):55-71.

 

Food and Beverage Industry

Altekruse SF, Yang S, Timbo BB, Angulo FJ. A multi-state survey of consumer food-handling and food-consumption practices.Am J Prev Med. 1999;16(3):216-221.

Angell SY, Silver LD, Goldstein GP, Johnson CM, Deitcher DR, Frieden TR, Bassett MT. Cholesterol control beyond the clinic: New York City’s trans fat restriction. Ann Intern Med. 2009;151(2):129-134.

Austin SB, Melly SJ, Sanchez BN, Patel A, Buka S, Gortmaker SL. Clustering of fast food restaurants around schools: A novel application of spatial statistics to the study of food environments. Am J Public Health. 2005;95(9):1575-1581.

Baker EA, Schootman M, Barnidge E, Kelly C. The role of race and poverty in access to foods that enable individuals to adhere to dietary guidelines. Prev Chronic Dis. 2006;3(3):A76.

Borgmeier I, Westenhoefer J. Impact of different food label formats on healthiness evaluation and food choice of consumers: A randomized-controlled study. BMC Public Health. 2009;12(9):184.

Burton S, Creyer EH, Kees J, Huggins K. Attacking the obesity epidemic: the potential health benefits of providing nutrition information in restaurants. Am J Public Health.2006;96(9):1669-1675.

Cassady D, Housemann R, Dagher C. Measuring cues for healthy choices on restaurant menus: Development and testing of a measurement instrument. Am J Health Promot. 2004;18(6):444-449.

Creel JS, Sharkey JR, McIntosh A, Anding J, Huber JC Jr. Availability of healthier options in traditional and nontraditional rural fast-food outlets. BMC Public Health. 2008;8:395.

Dumanovsky T, Nonas CA, Huang CY, Silver LD, Bassett MT. What people buy from fast-food restaurants: Caloric content and menu item selection, New York City 2007. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2009; 17(7):1369-1374.

Dwyer JJ, Macaskill LA, Uetrecht CL, Dombrow C. Eat Smart! Ontario’s Healthy Restaurant Program: Focus groups with non-participating restaurant operators. Can J Diet Pract Res. 2004.;65(1):6-9.

Economos CD, Folta SC, Goldberg J, Hudson D, Collins J, Baker Z, Lawson E, Nelson M. A community-based restaurant initiative to increase availability of healthy menu options in Somerville, Massachusetts: Shape Up Somerville. Prev Chronic Dis. 2009.;6(3):A102

Fielding JE, Aguirre A, Palaiologos E. Effectiveness of altered incentives in a food safety inspection program. Prev Med. 2001;32(3):239-244.

Ford PB, Dzewaltowski DA. Disparities in obesity prevalence due to variation in the retail food environment: Three testable hypotheses. Nutr Rev. 2008 Apr;66(4):216-228.

French SA, Harnack L, Jeffery RW. Fast food restaurant use among women in the Pound of Prevention study: Dietary, behavioral and demographic correlates. International Journal of Obesity & Related Metabolic Disorders. 2000;24(1):1353.

French SA. Pricing effects on food choices. J.Nutr. 2003;133(3):841S-843S.

French SA, Jeffery RW, Story M, Breitlow KK, Baxter JS, Hannan P, et al. Pricing and promotion effects on lowfat vending snack purchases: The CHIPS Study. Am J Public Health. 2001 ;91(1):112-117.

French SA, Story M, Neumark Sztainer D, Fulkerson JA, Hannan P. Fast food restaurant use among adolescents: Associations with nutrient intake, food choices and behavioral and psychosocial variables. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord.2001;25(12):1823-1833.

Fried EJ, Nestle M. The growing political movement against soft drinks in schools. JAMA.2002 ;288(1):2181-2181.

Gerend MA. Does calorie information promote lower calorie fast food choices among college students? J Adolesc Health. 2009;44(1):84-86.

Glanz K, Resnicow K, Seymour J, Hoy K, Stewart H, Lyons M, Goldberg J. How major restaurant chains plan their menus: The role of profit, demand, and health. Am J Prev Med. 2007;32(5):383-388.

Hannan P, French SA, Story M, Fulkerson JA. A pricing strategy to promote sales of lower fat foods in high school cafeterias: Acceptability and sensitivity analysis. Am.J.Health Promot. 2002 ;17(1):16,ii.

Hanni KD, Garcia E, Ellemberg C, Winkleby M. Targeting the taqueria: Implementing healthy food options at Mexican American restaurants. Health Promot Pract. 2009;10(2 Suppl):91S-99S.

Harnack LJ, French SA. Effect of point-of-purchase calorie labeling on restaurant and cafeteria food choices: A review of the literature. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2008 Oct 26;5:51.

Harnack LJ, French SA, Oakes JM, Story MT, Jeffery RW, Rydell SA. Effects of calorie labeling and value size pricing on fast food meal choices: Results from an experimental trial. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2008 ;5:63.

Jacobson MF, Brownell KD. Small taxes on soft drinks and snack foods to promote health. Am J Public Health 2000;90:854-857.

Jetter KM, Cassady DL. Increasing fresh fruit and vegetable availability in a low-income neighborhood convenience store: A pilot study. Health Promot Pract. 2009 Feb 12. [Epub ahead of print]

Kim D, Kawachi I. Food taxation and pricing strategies to “thin out” the obesity epidemic.  Am. J. Prev. Med.2006;30(5):430-437.

Kimathi AN, Gregoire MB, Dowling RA, Stone MK. A healthful options food station can improve satisfaction and generate gross profit in a worksite cafeteria. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109(5):914-917.

Kuo T, Jarosz CJ, Simon P, Fielding JE. Menu labeling as a potential strategy for combating the obesity epidemic: A health impact assessment. Am J Public Health. 2009;99(9):1680-1686.

Kwate N O A. Fried chicken and fresh apples: Racial segregation as a fundamental cause of fast food density in black neighborhoods. Health and Place. 2008;14:32-44.

Kwate NO, Yau CY, Loh JM, Williams D. Inequality in obesigenic environments: Fast food density in New York City.Healthand Place. 2009;15(1):364-73

Lang T, Rayner G, Kaelin E. The Food Industry, Diet, Physical Activity and Health: A Review Of Reported Commitments And Practice Of 25 Of The World’s Largest Food Companies. 2006.

Larson NI, Story MT, Nelson MC. Neighborhood environments: Disparities in access to healthy foods in the U.S. Am J Prev Med. 2009;36(1):74-81.

Ludwig DS, Brownell KD. Public health action amid scientific uncertainty: The case of restaurant calorie labeling regulations.JAMA. 2009;302(4):434-435.

Lynch RA, Elledge BL, Griffith CC, Boatright DT. A comparison of food safety knowledge among restaurant managers, by source of training and experience, in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. J Environ Health. 2003;66(2):9-14, 26.

Macdonald L, Cummins S, Macintyre S. Neighbourhood fast food environment and area deprivation-substitution or concentration? Appetite. 2007l;49(1):251-254.

Maddock J. The relationship between obesity and the prevalence of fast food restaurants: State level analysis. Am J Health Promot. 2004;19(2):137-143.

Mashta O. UK firms sign up to display calories on menus. BMJ. 2009;338:b182.

Morland KB, Evenson KR. Obesity prevalence and the local food environment.  Health and Place. 2009; 15(2):491-495

Nielsen SJ, Siega Riz AM, Popkin BM. Trends in food locations and sources among adolescents and young adults. Prev Med.2002;35(2):107-113.

O’Dougherty M, Harnack LJ, French SA, Story M, Oakes JM, Jeffery RW. Nutrition labeling and value size pricing at fast-food restaurants: A consumer perspective. Am J Health Promot. 2006;20(4):247-250.

Phillips ML, Elledge BL, Basara HG, Lynch RA, Boatright DT. Recurrent critical violations of the food code in retail food service establishments. J Environ Health. 2006;68(10):24-30, 55.

Pomeranz JL, Brownell KD. Legal and public health considerations affecting  the success, reach, and impact of menu-labeling laws. Am J Public Health. 2008;98(9):1578-1583.

Roberto CA, Agnew H, Brownell KD. An observational study of consumers’ accessing of nutrition information in chain restaurants. Am J Public Health. 2009;99(5):820-821.

Rose D, Hutchinson PL, Bodor JN, Swalm CM, Farley TA, Cohen DA, Rice JC. Neighborhood food environments and Body Mass Index: The importance of in-store contents. Am J Prev Med. 2009;37(3):214-219.

Rydell SA, Harnack LJ, Oakes JM, Story M, Jeffery RW, French SA. Why eat at fast-food restaurants: reported reasons among frequent consumers. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108(12):2066-2070.

Sharkey JR, Horel S, Han D, Huber JC Jr. Association between neighborhood need and spatial access to food stores and fast food restaurants in neighborhoods of colonias. Int J Health Geogr. 2009;8:9.

Song HJ, Gittelsohn J, Kim M, Suratkar S, Sharma S, Anliker J. A corner store intervention in a low-income urban community is associated with increased availability and sales of some healthy foods. Public Health Nutr. 2009:1-8.

Spencer EH, Frank E, McIntosh NF. Potential effects of the next 100 billion hamburgers sold by McDonald’s.Am.J.Prev.Med. 2005 ;28(4):379-381.

Story M, Kaphingst KM, Robinson-O’Brien R, Glanz K. Creating healthy food and eating environments: Policy and environmental approaches. Annu Rev Public Health. 2008;29:253-72.

 

Pharmaceutical Industry

Brooks JM, Doucette WR, Wan S, Klepser DG. Retail pharmacy market structure and performance. Inquiry. 2008;45(1):75-88.

Carroll NV. Estimating the impact of Medicare part D on the profitability of independent community pharmacies. J Manag Care Pharm. 2008;14(8):768-779.

Fincham JE. An unfortunate and avoidable component of American pharmacy: Tobacco. Am J Pharm Educ. 2008;72(3):57

Garattini L, Motterlini N, Cornago D. Prices and distribution margins of in-patent drugs in pharmacy: A comparison in seven European countries. Health Policy. 2008;85(3):305-313.

Gellad WF, Choudhry NK, Friedberg MW, Brookhart MA, Haas JS, Shrank WH. Variation in drug prices at pharmacies: Are prices higher in poorer areas? Health Serv Res. 2009;44(2 Pt 1):606-617.

Gitlin M, Wilson L. Repackaged pharmaceuticals in the California workers’ compensation system: From distribution and pricing options to physician and retail dispensing. Am J Ind Med. 2007;50(4):303-315.

Montoya ID, Jano E. Online pharmacies: Safety and regulatory considerations. Int J Health Serv. 2007;37(2):279-289.

Retail and mail copayments on the rise. Manag Care. 2009;18(6):50.

Rudholm N. Entry of new pharmacies in the deregulated Norwegian pharmaceuticals market– consequences for costs and availability. Health Policy.2008;87(2):258-263

Stafford E. Pharmacy initiatives target prescription drug costs. J Mich Dent Assoc. 2008;90(9):22.

Stevenson FA, Leontowitsch M, Duggan C. Over-the-counter medicines: Professional expertise and consumer discourses.Sociol Health Illn. 2008;30(6):913-928.

Tobacco Industry

Andersen BS, Begay ME, Lawson CB. Breaking the alliance: Defeating the tobacco industry’s allies and enacting youth access restrictions in Massachusetts. Am J Public Health. 2003;93(11):1922-1928.

Celebucki CC, Diskin K. A longitudinal study of externally visible cigarette advertising on retail storefronts in Massachusetts before and after the Master Settlement Agreement. Tob Control. 2002;11 Suppl 2:ii47-53.

Chriqui JF, Ribisl KM, Wallace RM, Williams RS, O’Connor JC, el Arculli R. A comprehensive review of state laws governing Internet and other delivery sales of cigarettes in the United States. Nicotine Tob Res. 2008;10(2):253-265.

Feighery EC, Ribisl KM, Achabal DD, Tyebjee T. Retail trade incentives: How tobacco industry practices compare with those of other industries. Am J Public Health. 1999;89(10):1564-1566.

Feighery EC, Ribisl KM, Clark PI, Haladjian HH. How tobacco companies ensure prime placement of their advertising and products in stores: Interviews with retailers about tobacco company incentive programmes. Tob Control. 2003;12(2):184-188.

Feighery EC, Ribisl KM, Schleicher N, Lee RE, Halvorson S. Cigarette advertising and promotional strategies in retail outlets: results of a statewide survey in California. Tob Control. 2001;10(2):184-188.

Feighery EC, Ribisl KM, Schleicher NC, Clark PI. Retailer participation in cigarette company incentive programs is related to increased levels of cigarette advertising and cheaper cigarette prices in stores. Prev Med. 2004;38(6):876-884.

Gilbertson T. Retail point-of-sale guardianship and juvenile tobacco purchases: assessing the prevention capabilities of undergraduate college students. J Drug Educ. 2007;37(1):1-30.

Gilpin EA, White VM, Pierce JP. How effective are tobacco industry bar and club marketing efforts in reaching young adults?Tob Control. 2005;14(3):186-192.

Glanz K, Sutton NM, Jacob Arriola KR. Operation storefront Hawaii: Tobacco advertising and promotion in Hawaii stores. J Health Commun. 2006;11(7):699-707.

Henriksen L, Feighery EC, Schleicher NC, Cowling DW, Kline RS, Fortmann SP. Is adolescent smoking related to the density and proximity of tobacco outlets and retail cigarette advertising near schools? Prev Med. 2008;47(2):210-4.

Henriksen L, Feighery EC, Schleicher NC, Haladjian HH, Fortmann SP. Reaching youth at the point of sale: cigarette marketing is more prevalent in stores where adolescents shop frequently. Tob Control. 2004;13(3):315-318.

Henriksen L, Feighery EC, Wang Y, Fortmann SP. Association of retail tobacco marketing with adolescent smoking. Am J Public Health. 2004;94(12):2081-2083.

Lavack AM, Toth G. Tobacco point-of-purchase promotion: Examining tobacco industry documents. Tob Control. 2006;15(5):377-384.

Loomis BR, Farrelly MC, Mann NH. The association of retail promotions for cigarettes with the Master Settlement Agreement, tobacco control programmes and cigarette excise taxes. Tob Control. 2006;15(6):458-463.

Loomis BR, Farrelly MC, Nonnemaker JM, Mann NH. Point of purchase cigarette promotions before and after the Master Settlement Agreement: exploring retail scanner data. Tob Control. 2006;15(2):140-

Pollay RW. More than meets the eye: on the importance of retail cigarette merchandising. Tob Control. 2007;16(4):270-274.

Sepe E, Ling PM, Glantz SA. Smooth moves: bar and nightclub tobacco promotions that target young adults. Am J Public Health. 2002;92(3):414-419.

Slater S, Chaloupka FJ, Wakefield M. State variation in retail promotions and advertising for Marlboro cigarettes. Tob Control. 2001;10(4):337-339.

Slater S, Giovino G, Chaloupka F. Surveillance of tobacco industry retail marketing activities of reduced harm products.Nicotine Tob Res. 2008;10(1):187-193.

Slater SJ, Chaloupka FJ, Wakefield M, Johnston LD, O’malley PM. The impact of retail cigarette marketing practices on youth smoking uptake. Arch Pediatr Adolesc. Med. 2007;161(5):440-445.

Slater SJ, Chaloupka FJ, Wakefield M, Johnston LD, O’Malley PM. The impact of retail cigarette marketing practices on youth smoking uptake. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007;161(5):440-445.

Smith EA, Blackman VS, Malone RE. Death at a discount: how the tobacco industry thwarted tobacco control policies in US military commissaries. Tob Control. 2007;16(1):38-46.

 

Studies of Multiple Industries

Ashe M, Jernigan D, Kline R, Galaz R. Land use planning and the control of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and fast food restaurants. Am J Public Health. 2003;93(9):1404-1408.

Feighery EC, Ribisl KM, Achabal DD, Tyebjee T. Retail trade incentives: how tobacco industry practices compare with those of other industries. Am J Public Health. 1999;89(10):1564-1566.

Freudenberg N, Galea S, Fahs M. Changing corporate practices to reduce cancer disparities. J Health Care Poor Underserved.2008; 19(1):26-40.

Hemenway D. The public health approach to motor vehicles, tobacco, and alcohol, with applications to firearms policy. J Public Health Policy. 2001;22(4):381-402.

Kotecki JE. Sale of alcohol in pharmacies: results and implications of an empirical study. J Community Health. 2003;28(1):65-77.

 
 

Pharma Goes Online; Feds Fail to Follow

Posted on by Corporations and Health Watch

While the fiercest opposition to direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertisements has been to television advertisements, pharmaceutical companies have increasingly turned their attention to online marketing and social media, such as Facebook and YouTube with very little opposition or regulation by the Food and Drug Administration. In this report, CHW explores the reasons for this increased use of online marketing and social media, profiles a few recent examples where online DTC advertisements have raised concerns, and suggest possible future directions for consumer advocates.

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first relaxed guidelines governing direct-to-consumer (DTC) pharmaceutical advertising in 1997, DTC advertising has increased dramatically, from approximately $1 billion per year in 19971 to $5.4 billion in 2006.2 As a result, physician and advocacy groups and some elected officials have begun to raise questions about the ethics of DTC advertising.3 While the fiercest opposition to DTC advertisements has been to television advertisements, with less opposition, pharmaceutical companies have increasingly turned their attention to online marketing and social media, such as Facebook, YouTube, Sermo (for physicians), and iVillage (for women’s health).4 A recent article in Advertising Age notes that “what might be considered a yawn-worthy move into new and social media is nothing short of a revolution” for the pharmaceutical industry.5 In this report, Corporations and Health Watch explores the reasons for this increased use of online marketing and social media, profiles a few recent examples where online DTC advertisements have raised concerns, and suggest possible future directions for consumer advocates.

Online advertisements and social media challenge our conceptions of DTC advertisements

Some of the largest pharmaceutical companies have challenged common conceptions of DTC communication through the launch of popular blogs, YouTube channels and other forms of online media. For example, Johnson & Johnson’s McNeil Pediatrics unit sponsors an attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder group called “ADHD Moms” on the social media site Facebook,6 where the number of participants has grown to more than 8,200 without any expenditure by the company.1 Johnson & Johnson also hosts a popular blog called “JNJ BTW” where the company seeks to create a space for a “three-dimensional view” of the company and a “conversation” with consumers. Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim and AstraZeneca all use Twitter to deliver news about their companies, and several firms have launched controversial channels on YouTube to promote their drugs. Pharmaceutical companies also bid for key words such as “cholesterol” in Google and other search engines so that advertisements for their drugs will appear in the sponsored search results, for which the search engine company collects a fee each time someone clicks on the advertisement.7 In addition, contextual advertising on websites offers pharmaceutical companies the opportunity to place banners on websites targeted to visitors to certain websites or to visitors in certain geographic locations.7

Reasons for industry’s increased use of social media and online advertisements

At a time when print advertisements for pharmaceuticals are down 18% and television advertisements are down 4% to $4.4 billion in 2008 (compared to the $4.8 billion spent in 2007),1 online marketing efforts have soared.1, 5 One reason drug makers have turned to online advertising is because it is a relatively inexpensive way to reach targeted audiences. But in addition to being cost-effective, online media communications are less likely to mobilize patient advocates who are critical of DTC advertising.4, 7

Some observers have suggested that the “lower profile” yet highly effective online DTC advertisements might be “simply smart politics” on the part of pharmaceutical companies wishing to avoid attention by members of congress who wish to regulate DTC advertisements.2 Pharmaceutical marketers have taken advantage of the fact that greater numbers of Americans are now seeking health information and support online instead of consulting their physicians.4, 5, 8 Patients are now seeking more interactive communications, and, in an interview with Advertising Age, a relationship-marketing agency CEO said that social media offers the pharmaceutical industry an opportunity to rebuild trust between the consumer and an industry that is often unpopular.5

Recent DTC “success stories”

Several pharmaceutical companies have launched highly successful online marketing communications, and in some ways these companies serve as industry forerunners.5 Here are some examples:

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: Patients with chronic conditions often turn to the internet for the support of others with similar concerns and for help in managing chronic conditions.4 Acorda Therapeutics, working with a division of global advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi launched a community website called iwalkbecause.org in advance of the release of its drug for multiple sclerosis which will not be available until next year.5 According to a Saatchi executive, the community of people with multiple sclerosis is a group that searches for online information “ferociously.” 5

AMBIEN CR: Saatchi also worked on an integrated TV-web campaign for Sanofi-Aventis’ sleep drug Ambien CR.5 The 15-second commercial directed viewers to go to a “microsite” called silenceyourrooster.com with games, videos, and other social-media elements.5 In the first three days, the site received 1 million “hits” and a 2% “clickthrough rate” to the branded site www.ambiencr.com.5

ASTHMA: AstraZeneca launched a YouTube channel called “My Asthma Story” for its asthma drug Symbicort where they invite patients to submit videos about their positive experiences with Symbicort to their website, where consumers “essentially create their own advertisements for the drug.”5

RESTLESS LEGS: In late 2006, GlaxoSmithKline introduced an unbranded and very creative video on YouTube that received over 200,000 views, which led the company to establish its own YouTube channel, GSK Vision.5

Future Issues for advocates and regulators to consider

Overall, the FDA has, until recently, been weak in its response to pharmaceutical companies’ online DTC advertisements. In fact, there are no published guidelines for online pharmaceutical advertising by the FDA Division of Drug Marketing, Advertising, and Communications Research, the organization typically responsible for providing such oversight.5 As noted by a senior VP at the public relations and marketing communications firm Fleishman Hillard, “People are still figuring out how we employ new media, whish is such a completely new paradigm. What [pharmaceutical companies] are doing now is experimenting.” 5 Similarly, Symbicort brand manager for AstraZeneca notes, “The social-media space is still very much a gray area.” 5 Without oversight, controversy has begun to erupt as it did this past January, when a banner ad went online for the emergency contraceptive Plan B. Plan B is marketed by Duramed, a subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals, which was recently acquired by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA.9 The company advertised on the MTV website which is very popular among girls 17 and younger, directing viewers to go to the Plan B website with the tagline “Because the unexpected happens.” 9

Last April, the FDA began to take action with regard to DTC advertising in new media by sending major pharmaceutical companies untitled letters in April asking them to not place misleading ads on search engines such as Google and Yahoo,5 as well as taking action regarding several YouTube videos with misleading pharmaceutical advertising content. For example, the FDA requested that UK drugmaker Shire Pharmaceuticals remove its YouTube video for Adderall XR, which the agency argued was overstating the hyperactivity drug’s effectiveness while omitting relevant information about risks.10 The FDA also began requiring pharmaceutical companies to embed safety and risk information in the videos themselves, rather than providing a link alongside the video advertisements they post.10

As pharmaceutical companies increasingly turn to online media and social marketing to reach consumers, regulatory guidance from the FDA on this “gray area” will be increasingly necessary, as will increased vigilance on the part of consumer advocates and Congressional leaders.

References

1 US DTC Rx advertising falls 8% to $4.4 billion. Pharma Marketletter. April 21, 2009.

2 US Pharma DTC “recession” started in 2006. Pharma Marketletter. December 5, 2008.

3 Douglas J. Wood Reed Smith LLP. Legal issues to watch in 2009. Advertising Age. December 15, 2009.

4 US drugmakers switch marketing approach. Pharma Marketletter. April 25, 2008.

5 Miley M, Thomaselli R. Big Pharma finally taking steps to reach patients with digital media: highly regulated industry slowly mobilizes with blogs, Twitter, YouTube. Advertising Age. May 11, 2009.

6 McNeil Pediatrics, ADHD Moms A Place for Moms of Children with ADHD. Press Release dated July 9, 2008. Available at: http://www.mcneilpediatrics.net/mcneilpediatrics/assets/
60CON08453A_ADHD_Moms_Press_Release_FINAL_FOR_DIST.pdf

7 US drug DTC cuts in 1st half 2008: TV ad effectiveness low, regulatory risk high? Pharma Marketletter. October 17, 2008.

8 California HealthCare Foundation. Social Media’s Challenge to Traditional Health Care Patients, Providers, Researchers, and Advocates Forge Online Connections. April 22, 2008. Accessed June 7, 2009 at: http://www.chcf.org/press/view.cfm?itemID=133633.

9 Thomaselli R. “Morning-After Pill” catches flak for MTV.com ad: site’s under-18 visitors will see banner for emergency contraceptive Plan B. Advertising Age. January 8, 2009.

10 US FDA swoops on YouTube “DTC Abuse.” Pharma Marketletter. December 4, 2008.

Image Credit:

1. tomsaint

Book Reviews: Global Politics & Pharmaceutical Industry Practices

Posted on by Corporations and Health Watch

Two books on the ethics, politics and practices of the global pharmaceutical trade. Reviewed are: The Global Politics of Pharmaceutical Monopoly, Power, Drug Patents, Access, Innovation and the application of the WTO Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health by Ellen F.M. ‘t Hoen (AMB Diemen, 2009) and Global Pharmaceuticals: Ethics, Markets, Practices, edited by Adriana Petryna, Andrew Lakoff, & Arthur Kleinman (Duke University Press, 2006).

The Global Politics of Pharmaceutical Monopoly, Power, Drug Patents, Access, Innovation and the application of the WTO Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health by Ellen F.M. ‘t Hoen (AMB Diemen, 2009. ISBN 97890-79700-06-6)

In her new book, The Global Politics of Pharmaceutical Monopoly, Power, Drug Patents, Access, Innovation and the application of the WTO Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health, Ellen ‘t Hoen, former Director of Policy Advocacy for the Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) Access Campaign, outlines progress made in increasing access to medication and medical innovation. She also identifies critical unresolved issues in development and distribution of new medical technologies for the treatment and prevention of disease in the developing world. Specifically, this book describes how access to medication in the developing world is affected by the current global rules for pharmaceutical patents. The book highlights recent alternative mechanisms to encourage medical research and development in a way that also ensures access to the product—by separating the cost of research and development from the price of diagnostics, medicines, and vaccines.

Link to reviews of this book:

Knowledge Ecology Studies
European AIDS Treatment Group

Link to this book:

AMB Press (where you will find link to an on-line version of this book)

 

Global Pharmaceuticals: Ethics, Markets, Practices by Adriana Petryna, Andrew Lakoff, & Arthur Kleinman (eds.) (Duke University Press, 2006. 312pp. ISBN 082233741X)

This edited volume, a collection of ethnographies, tackles a timely topic- the inequalities produced by the current global pharmaceutical system that of the anthropologist. This collection provides insights into the burgeoning international pharmaceutical trade and the global inequalities reinforced by market-driven medicine. From an examination of how popular and professional understandings of psychiatric illness in the Western world to the experience of African families faced with the financial burden of AIDS treatment for its members, this book brings together experiences of individuals and communities and the roles they play along with organizations, corporations, and governments in the market-driven game of global pharma. This work is an important step in bringing the moral and ethical issues inherent in every phase of pharmaceutical production to the forefront of the social science research agenda.

Link to review of this book:

British Journal of Psychiatry

Link to this book:

Amazon.com

Is the Food Industry Playing with our Brains? New book by former FDA commissioner David Kessler examines neuroscience of overeating

Posted on by Corporations and Health Watch

In his new best-selling book titled The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite, David Kessler, M.D., former U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, presents research on the newest discoveries of neuroscience related to appetite and eating, as well as the insights he learned from top food industry executives that resulted in his theory on overeating.

It’s no longer news to point out that Americans are gaining weight and most public health folks have heard the alarming projection that if current trends continue, by 2015, 75% of American adults will be overweight and 41% will be obese1 And it’s also no news that many Americans are trying to lose weight. We  spend nearly $60 billion annually on weight loss products and diets 2. This year Weight Watchers stands to earn a $1.58 billion in revenue (excluding sales of food products), and Jenny Craig will earn nearly $610 million 2. Unfortunately, most dieters return to their initial weight within three to five years 3, suggesting that more dieting isn’t going to solve America’s obesity problem.

In his new book The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite David A. Kessler, M.D., a physician and lawyer who served as Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from November 1990 until March 1997, brings a fresh perspective to the obesity problem.  He argues that it is not faulty metabolism or lack of will power that causes people to eat too much or fail at dieting but rather complex brain functions that lead to “conditioned hypereating.” Acording to Kessler, environmental cues trigger biological drives for foods high in fat, sugar and salt  and eventually overwhelm the mechanisms that controlled overeating in earlier eras when unhealthy food was less promoted and less available.

Having spent many years at the FDA synthesizing research on the addictive powers of tobacco, Kessler turned his attention to high fat, salt and sugar foods, which,  after tobacco, are the second leading killer of Americans.   His new book is the result of seven years of research, and last month it emerged on the top-ten bestsellers list for non-fiction in the New York Times Book Review. In his book, Dr. Kessler presents research on the newest discoveries of neuroscience related to appetite and eating, as well as the insights he learned from his interviews with food industry executives.

Hyperpalatable foods engineered by industrial chefs and conditioned overeating

In essence, Dr. Kessler maintains that foods high in fat, salt and sugar alter brain chemistry in a way that compels people to overeat.  While these foods have always been “salient” to humans, the modern food industry has taken advantage of this phenomenon.  Kessler describes how industrial chefs have engineered “hyperpalatable” foods that are layered in fat, sugar and salt to trigger a release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, resulting in “conditioned hypereating.” He profiles engineered foods from some of the most popular brand manufacturers, chain restaurants, and fast food restaurants, including the Cinnamon Crunch Bagel at Panera (430 calories, 8g fat, 430mg sodium), and the Sowthwestern Eggrolls (910 calories, 57g fat, 1960mg sodium) and Boneless Shanghai Wings (1260 calories, 71g fat, 3030mg sodium) from the nation’s second-largest restaurant chain Chili’s Grill and Bar. Dr. Kessler said he estimates that approximately 70 million Americans are affected by hypereating4, and he maintains that  what “the food the industry is selling is much more powerful than we realized.” 5

Advertising: “The emotional gloss”

When  hyperpalatable foods are combined with modern-day marketing and advertising (“the emotional gloss,” as Dr. Kessler puts it), the result is changed social norms that make it acceptable for Americans to eat foods daily that used to be considered occasional treats.  According to Dr. Kessler, “We took down all these barriers; now you can eat anytime, anywhere.  It’s socially acceptable.  We have this constant stimulation, and we’re no longer eating for nutrition.  We took fat, sugar, and salt, made it very appealing, put it on every corner, and made it socially acceptable.” 6 While some have argued that advertising serves an important function in informing consumers about products, Dr. Kessler’s research reveals that food advertisements in fact serve as cues to induce people to eat these engineered, unhealthy foods4. Constant bombarding by advertisements that link these foods to fun and good times makes it more difficult for people to address their overeating.5

Dr. Kessler’s inspiration for the book

In interviews, Dr. Kessler describes his inspiration for the book as well as his own struggles with overeating.  Before he wrote the book, he said that he didn’t know the causes of overeating, but that he knew it “wasn’t just a matter of diet and exercise.” 6 Kessler says his inspiration came seven years ago when he was watching a woman on The Oprah Winfrey Show 5, 6 who in tears, described how she could not control her eating.  He said, “I was sitting there trying to listen as a doctor, but I could also relate to what she was talking about from my own experience.  I needed to understand what was driving her behavior.6

Solutions to the overeating epidemic

This book promises to be highly influential in changing the way that Americans view the practices of the food industry as well as the epidemic of overeating. In an interview with a Huffington Post reporter, Kessler summarized the basic premise of his theory, “Now, we know that highly palatable foods – sugar, fat, salt – are highly reinforcing and can activate the reward center of the brain.  For many people that activation is sustained when they’re cued.  They have such a hard time controlling their eating because they’re constantly being bombarded …For decades the food industry was able to argue, ‘We’re just giving consumers what they want.’ Now we know that giving them highly salient stimuli is activating their brains.” 4

Dr. Kessler says that his book is not meant to be a policy prescription.  Instead, he wants to explain why people  have such a difficult time with overeating. 6 Based on his tobacco experience at the FDA, Dr. Kessler has noted that there are many parallels between problems associated with food and tobacco  industry practices. Both industries manipulate consumer behavior to sell products that are harmful to health.5 He maintains that while government has a role to play, many of the great public health successes have come from changes in the way people perceive the product.4 He states, “We did this with cigarettes. It used to be sexy and glamorous but now people look at it and say, ‘That’s not my friend, that’s not something I want.’ We need to make a cognitive shift as a country and change the way we look at food.” 5

References

1 Wang Y, Beydoun MA. The obesity epidemic in the United States – gender, age, socioeconomic, racial/ethnic, and geographic characteristics: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Epidemiologic Reviews. 2007;29:6-28. Available at: http://epirev.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/29/1/6

2 Miley M. New Year, new round of diet programs. Advertising Age. January 12, 2009.

3 Wadden TA, Phelan S. Behavioral assessment of the obese patient.  In: Wadden Ta, Stunkard AJ, eds.  Handbook of Obesity Treatment. New York: Guilford Press, 2002:186-226.

4 McCready L. Interview with Dr. David Kessler, author of The End of Overeating, on why we can’t stop eating. The Huffington Post. May 6, 2009. Available at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-mccready/d-kessler-author-of-emthe_b_195676.html.

5 Layton L. Crave man: David Kessler know that some foods are hard to resist; now he knows why. The Washington Post. April 27, 2009. Available at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/26/AR2009042602711.html.

6 Hobson K. David Kessler on why we’re prone to eating too much. U.S. News & World Report. May 4, 2009. http://health.usnews.com/blogs/on-fitness/2009/05/04/david-kessler-on-why-were-prone-to-eating-too-much.html.

 

Photo Credits:
1. publiccitizen

Researching for Advocacy: The Industry Trade Press as a Resource for Activists

Posted on by Corporations and Health Watch

A recent report put out by the Berkeley Media Group, entitled, Navigating the Trade Press: What are the food and beverage industries discussing?, recommends public health advocates concerned with obesity regularly monitor various publications, including trade journals and magazines, to stay on top of the latest developments in the food and beverage industries. This review of the report features links to the report and key trade publications recommended for tracking.

To plan effective advocacy campaigns to change health-damaging corporate practices, activists need to understand what company managers are thinking and what business and political strategies they are planning.  Unlike big corporations and trade associations, few advocacy groups or independent researchers have the resources to hire investigators to gather this intelligence.  One practical and inexpensive alternative is to monitor business and trade press coverage of the industry in question.

A few years ago, the Berkely Media Stduies Group released a useful guide called Navigating the Trade Press: What are the food and beverage industries discussing? [pdf] It provides a starting point not only for activists seeking to change the food industry but also for other corporate campaigners who need an overview of the world of trade presses, business publications geared towards industry insiders.  In the report, author Lori Dorfman and Elena Lingas argue that “reading these sources makes it easier to articulate the divergent goals of public health and the food, beverage, and advertising industries,” enabling advocates, who often go up against companies with many times more resources, to more effectively and efficiently contest the practices of these industries that harm heath.

A web link to a 200-item annotated bibliography of key sources for tracking activities of these industries is a main highlight of Navigating the Trade Press. Separating the sources into business and science- focused categories, and then into tiers according to their direct proximity to issues of interest to most obesity prevention advocates, the report highlights the most relevant sources (including websites) for all public health advocates whose work is affected by these industries.  In addition to these sources, the report recommends that advocates choose specialty journals from the bibliography, in addition to the more general sources listed below, in order to stay on top of  industry practices that affect the issues they work on.   Dorfman and Lingas note that most sources offer an opportunity to sign up for periodic newsletters and news alerts via email, making it easy to monitor issues of interest.

Key sources for tracking food and beverage industry activities:

New York Times Business section (see especially the Advertising column)
Wall Street Journal Marketplace section
LA Times
Washington Post
Ad Age
Ad Week
Grocery Manufacturers of America
Food Institute
Food Chemical News
Obesity Policy Report

Some of these publications may require a subscription for viewing full contents on line. Most large public or university libraries have such electronic subscriptions, making these institutions a useful resource for activist researchers.

Future Corporations and Health Watch postings will examine how policy advocates can use the trade press of other industries (e.g., pharmaceutical, firearms, alcohol, tobacco, etc.) in their work. We invite readers to send suggestions to responses@corporationsandhealth.org

To read the full Navigating the Trade Press report and download the excel spreadsheet of food industry sources, please visit:

Mapping the Debate on Food

Marin Institute Releases New Alcohol Tax Calculator Tool

Posted on by Corporations and Health Watch

Read about and link to the new tool developed by the Marin Institute designed to assist states in raising revenue through alcohol taxation.

Online Feature Helps States Charge for Harm to Raise Revenue

Marin Institute has released the country’s first online alcohol tax and fee calculator to assist lawmakers looking for new revenue. The user-friendly tool is available at www.MarinInstitute.org.

The powerful program works for every state, as well as nationally and the District of Columbia. You just enter the amount of new tax (nickel or dime a drink, for example) for beer, wine or spirits (or any combination). Then the program instantly estimates additional annual revenues, based on a variety of factors specific to that particular jurisdiction.

Marin Institute developed the tool in response to inquiries from states looking for new revenues sources while holding Big Alcohol accountable for the enormous harm its products cause. Many states have not raised alcohol taxes or fees in decades. States with pending legislation to raise alcohol taxes or fees include: California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Hawaii.

Visit the Tax / Fee Revenue Calculator on Marin Institute’s website to quickly estimate how much your state can raise in new alcohol taxes and fees.

News Updates: New Reports on the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Industries

Posted on by Corporations and Health Watch

The gun industry’s role in trafficking weapons to Mexico, the FDA set to regulate tobacco, and the new venues of alcohol advertising: the influence of corporations on population health is all over the news! Check out highlights from three new reports that focus on regulation.

ALCOHOL

Out-of-Home Alcohol Advertising: A 21st: Century Guide to Effective Regulation

Downdload the PDF

This report, by the Marin Institute (March 2009), the alcohol policy advocacy center, provides advocates and policymakers with suggestions for designing effective regulation of alcohol advertising at the state and local levels. With an eye on emerging trends in out-of-home advertising (e.g., digital billboards, advertising in public transit), this 12-page report focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of laws on the books in various jurisdictions across the U.S. It summarizes the factors advocates should consider when designing effective oversight of alcohol advertisements. With examples of restrictions likely and unlikely to withstand legal challenge and examples of model language from current laws on the books in cities in California and Pennsylvania, this report can help those interested in achieving effective regulation of alcohol advertising in their communities.


TOBACCO

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

On April 2nd, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act by a vote of 298 to 112. This act amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to grant the FDA authority to regulate the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco products. The bill adds a new chapter to the FFDCA to regulate tobacco products. Tobacco products would not be regulated under the “safe and effective” standard currently used for other products under the agency’s purview, but under a new standard—”appropriate for the protection of the public health.” With the support of President Obama, Senator Edward Kennedy is expected to soon introduce a version of the house bill in the Senate. Two tobacco-state senators, Richard Burr, a Republican, and Kay Hagan, a Democrat, both from North Carolina, have submitted a weaker substitute bill that would create a new tobacco regulatory agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. As the New York Times noted in an April 25th editorial, “such a fledgling agency would almost certainly be much less effective than the F.D.A., especially since the senators don’t propose to grant it the broad powers and ample resources provided by the House-passed bill.”

Key features of the House of Representatives-passed bill include:

  1. Restrictions on marketing and sales to youth
  2. Specific authority granted to FDA to restrict tobacco marketing
  3. Detailed disclosure required of ingredients, nicotine and harmful smoke constituents
  4. FDA allowed to require changes to tobacco products to protect the public health
  5. Strictly regulated “reduced harm” products
  6. Requirement for bigger, better health warnings
  7. FDA activity funding through a user fee on manufacturers of cigarettes, cigarette tobacco and smokeless tobacco, allocated by market share

For a special report on the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act from the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, go to: http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/fda/summary.shtml.


GUNS

Exporting Gun Violence: How Our Weak Gun Laws Arm Criminals in Mexico and America

Downdload the PDF

The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence has issued a new report on the problem recently reported in the New York Times (“Loopholes to let gun smuggling to Mexico flourish,” April 14, 2009) entitled, “Exporting Gun Violence: How Our Weak Gun Laws Arm Criminals in Mexico and America.” Arguing that same laws that allow gun trafficking into Mexico have long allowed trafficking of guns to American criminals, the Brady campaign supports new laws that make background checks mandatory for all gun purchases and beefing up the authority of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) to enforce laws.

In the report, the Brady Campaign urges U.S. leaders to look further than just enforcement of existing laws, and strengthen American gun laws to make it harder for Mexican criminals to arm themselves with U.S. firearms. The report stresses the urgent need for stronger gun laws that make it more difficult for military-style assault weapons and other guns to be sold by American gun dealers to gun traffickers who take guns over the border into Mexico, supplying weapons to fuel the violent drug cartels.