A new study conducted by researchers from Australia and Brazil links liberalized trade policies to increasing obesity and health problems in Central America. “The implications of trade liberalization for diet and health: a case study from Central America” is the title of the report by Anne Marie Thow from the University of Sydney and Corinna Hawkes from the University of Sao Paulo. They conclude that the implementation of free trade agreements, most notably the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), led to sharp reductions in tariffs, sharp increases in food imports, especially processed foods, and a transition in the diet of those countries involved.
Trade agreements have also opened the door to more animal feed imports leading to a notable increase in domestic meat production, especially chicken production. Chicken imports have increased substantially as well.
The authors state the trade agreements appear; “to have directly influenced the availability and price of meat and processed foods, many of which are energy-dense and high in fats, sugars and salt.” The report notes: “the most significant trend is the rise in imports of French Fries.” They conclude the consumption of such foods is associated with increased rates of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases. “Trade liberalization therefore has direct implications for these health concerns.”
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