Medicine and Science from The BMJ
The industry playbook to combat public health, and FUTURE-AI
Feb 12, 2025
Joining the conversation are May van Schalkwyk, a researcher at Edinburgh University specializing in industry influence on public health, and Karim Lekadir, a nuclear research professor at the University of Barcelona focusing on AI in healthcare. They delve into the tactics used by fast-food giants like McDonald's to thwart health regulations near schools, drawing unsettling parallels to the tobacco industry. They also discuss new guidelines for trustworthy AI applications in healthcare, stressing the importance of ethical practices and stakeholder collaboration in enhancing patient care.
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Quick takeaways
- McDonald's undermines public health efforts by opening outlets near schools, mirroring techniques once used by the tobacco industry to protect their interests.
- The new AI framework establishes six principles to ensure trustworthy healthcare applications, addressing regulatory gaps and prioritizing patient safety.
Deep dives
McDonald's Influence on Local Health Regulations
McDonald's actively undermines local councils' efforts to create healthier environments by successfully overturning planning decisions that prevent new outlets from opening near schools. This has been particularly troubling in deprived areas where childhood obesity rates are alarmingly high. The company's arguments focus on promoting healthier menu options, such as salads, and its sponsorship of local sports teams to project a positive image regarding public health. However, these assertions seem to contradict evidence indicating that the proximity of fast food outlets contributes to increased consumption and worsens health outcomes for children.
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