American Heart Association

Two versions of Frosted Mini-Wheats with virtually identical carbohydrate content and ingredient lists are treated differently by the AHA certification — only one carries the seal — suggesting the distinction reflects a certification fee rather than meaningful nutritional difference. The financial asymmetry between coconut oil and industry-backed products may explain why the AHA issued a negative recommendation against coconut oil despite its long history of safe use. The food and pharmaceutical industries spent approximately $521 million between 2011 and 2012 to obtain favorable positions and endorsements from the AHA. The coconut oil industry did not sponsor or fund the AHA. After its opposition generated public criticism and media attention, the AHA reversed its position and stated it was no longer opposing the Texas bill. The AHA operates a formal Industry Nutrition Forum with membership from major junk food and beverage companies including PepsiCo and General Mills. The AHA's opposition to the SNAP reform bill is characterized as a direct example of junk food industry front-group deployment, not an isolated anomaly. The AHA's Heart Check Food Certification endorsement costs c…