Australia's food regulations — challenges for public health advocacy

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To illustrate current challenges to public health advocacy through examining the case of the development of food regulations in Australia. Method: To present a case study of the recent changes to the structures for the development of food regulations in Australia and aspects of the new Food Standards Code that have direct relevance to public health. Results: Clear links between the policy setting structure and some types of public health advocacy strategies are made. Conclusions and recommendations: The challenge for public health advocacy is to ensure that professional associations as well as individual health professionals are cognisant of the environment within which public policy is developed, as well as being able to professionally comment on the content of public policy, for positive impacts on public health priorities to be achieved.