Feeding Misinformation: Why Food Literacy Is A Risk and A Solution

Food products manufactured by Mondelez and Coca-Cola, both companies among those named in a lawsuit that accuses major food companies of marketing ultra-processed and addictive foods to children. Photo Illustration by Scott Olson / Getty Images

Forbes
In the age of misinformation, food literacy isn’t just about health – it’s a strategic imperative for business, climate, and public trust. Misinformation is eroding public health, distorting climate-smart food strategies, and warping market behavior. This isn’t just an information problem but a business risk and investment threat.

Nutrition Misinformation in the Digital Age, a report from the Rooted Research Collective and the Freedom Food Alliance, identifies 53 nutrition super-spreader influencers on social media, who reach tens of millions with misleading, and often dangerous, advice. According to the research, up to 24 million people are at risk of making harmful decisions based on extreme, profit-driven dietary advice.

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