Business

Alcohol, tobacco and food giants block health reforms, says WHO

The World Health Organization has sharply criticised the influence of alcohol, tobacco, and ultra-processed food companies, warning they are obstructing efforts to implement crucial health policies around the world.

• By Newsdesk
• London
• Sep 20, 2025

Business

The World Health Organization has sharply criticised the influence of alcohol, tobacco, and ultra-processed food companies, warning they are obstructing efforts to implement crucial health policies around the world.

At the United Nations gathering in New York next Thursday—when governments will commit to new targets for non-communicable diseases such as cancer and heart disease, alongside a strategic roadmap—health advocates fear the political declaration has already been diluted.

According to WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, nations trying to adopt stronger measures—such as public health taxes or marketing restrictions aimed at children—are meeting fierce opposition. Dr Etienne Krug, head of WHO’s department overseeing health determinants, health promotion, and prevention, condemned the situation, calling it unacceptable that commercial interests are profiting from increasing deaths and disease.

Industry representatives argue that they are entitled to engage in consultations, claiming that this engagement can lead to better, more effective policy outcomes. The International Food and Beverage Alliance has rejected comparisons between its sector and those of tobacco or alcohol, and contests the characterisation of its members as obstructive. A spokesperson for the World Brewing Alliance said they welcome opportunities to share their perspective on how to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. Tobacco firms likewise stressed that dialogue is not only appropriate, but essential.

Meanwhile, the WHO reports that for every USD 3 invested per person in fighting non-communicable diseases, more than 12 million lives could be saved and over USD 1 trillion generated in economic benefits by 2030.

As governments prepare to adopt new global health targets, the key question remains: will these measures be bold enough to withstand pressure from powerful corporate interests, and meaningful enough to reverse the growing toll of non-communicable illnesses?