Conflicts of interest at work

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This story from Australia illustrates the pickle that some organisations can get into when they forget to check sponsors for conflicts of interest.

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http://m.theage.com.au/national/doctors-perplexed-by-muesli-bar-push-from-nestle-charity-20140115-30val.html

 

Doctors perplexed by muesli bar push from Nestle, charity

MARK HAWTHORNE January 16, 2014

Illustration: Matt Golding  theage.com.au

 

Nestle and the charity Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia are under fire for encouraging schools to allow a new range of Uncle Tobys ''lunchbox friendly'' muesli bars into playgrounds, even though they could be dangerous for people with nut allergies.

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA) - which receives funding from Nestle, owner of Uncle Tobys - has worked with the world's biggest food company to develop the range of muesli bars.

The charity and Nestle admit they should not be eaten by anyone with a nut allergy. A&AA is also asking schools to reconsider bans on nuts in the schoolyard.

In a case that mirrors the decision by the Heart Foundation to endorse some McDonald's food with a ''tick'', a number of doctors and parents say the tie-up between Nestle and A&AA is confounding for schools and consumers.

''I'm confused, and I work in the industry,'' said Sydney-based paediatric allergist Elizabeth Pickford. ''I think the 'lunchbox friendly' labelling is really deceptive. Mums are going to think this is a safe product when they see it.''

Last month Nestle and A&AA wrote directly to student welfare officers at thousands of schools and kindergartens nationwide.