ABSTRACT
The relationship of the food industry to obesity is a source of contentious and often polarizing debate. This often yields fascinating yet often competing theories, opinions, and scientific points of view on how best to proceed with engagement and where responsibility lies for change (self-directed, policy, and regulatory). This chapter considers how each element of the complex food chain may influence the combined pandemics of obesity and food insecurity, and models for the implementation of change. A balanced solution-focused approach to the longstanding and often complicated relationship of the food industry to public health is taken. An overview of salient challenges and successes is presented to highlight the topic's breadth and complexity (from farm to fork). An overview of the state of the scientific dialogue and opportunities to positively influence the entire food chain is given. The hope is that all may see an opportunity to foster a solution-focused approach that promotes scientific curiosity, innovation, and a renewed commitment to collegial collaboration among all relevant stakeholders.
