The Corporate Political Activity of the infant commercial milk formula industry in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Publication date: Dec 13, 2025

There is a need to protect, support, and promote breastfeeding for the best interests of children’s and mothers’ rights. Our study aimed to analyze the Corporate Political Activity (CPA) of the three main Commercial Milk Formula (CMF) industries in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic, as such activity may have impacted policymaking to the detriment of breastfeeding. CPA practices may indirectly lead to the early introduction of CMF; these have been a barrier to optimal breastfeeding in Mexico. A qualitative study was carried out using multiple data collection techniques, based on public data published between 2020 and 2022 from the three main CMF companies in the country, and semi-structured interviews (n = 11) with actors from government, academic, civil society organizations, and the press. A published conceptual framework was utilized, with data collection and analysis in three stages: (1) mapping of CMF industry actors, (2) identification of relevant information sources, and (3) qualitative and quantitative data analysis. We identified three main instrumental CPA strategies being used by the CMF industry in Mexico: coalition management, information management, and direct participation and influence in public policy. These companies secure a role in the political system, aiming to position themselves as saviors, while avoiding strict public regulation of their products and marketing. Additionally, three discursive strategies were used: promoting debate on issues related to a healthy diet in the pandemic context, arguing for self-regulation, and highlighting their importance in the economy. The COVID-19 pandemic represented an opportunity for CMF companies to shape public policy and public discourse in Mexico. Our study highlights their aggressive CPA strategies, strengthened by emergencies, and the need to implement measures to protect breastfeeding, especially in Mexico and other countries that will likely experience other crises in the future. The CPA strategies of CMF industry violate the right to breastfeeding of mothers and children and the right to accurate nutrition information not influenced by commercial interests.

Semantics

Original Article