Days after epidemiologist and lead researcher Bradley Johnston posted controversial guidelines about
processed and red meat, the New York Times reported that he failed to disclose that he previously
completed research for a major food industry group, the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI).
ILSI is an industry trade group whose members include McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Cargill, which is one
of the largest beef processors in North America.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations have previously accused ILSI of trying to
disprove public health recommendations in the interest of its corporate members.
Johnston told NY Times his previous work with ILSI is not related to and had no influence on his most
recent research and the corresponding guidelines.
He also shared with them he did not disclose the previous work with ILSI because the disclosure form
only asked about conflicts of interest within the last three years.
Critics of the latest meat guidelines have noted Johnston failed to comply with “the spirit of financial
disclosure”.
