UN asked to look at food and beverage industries

Some 138 non-governmental organisations and public health bodies have signed a Statement of Concern, asking the United Nations, ahead of its Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases, to hold accountable those in the food and beverage industry "whose products and marketing contribute substantially to the development of NCDs that kill 36 million people every year".

The statement asserts: "There are clear conflicts for the corporations that contribute to and profit from the sales of alcoholic beverages; foods with high fat, salt, and sugar contents; and tobacco products — all of which are important causes of NCDs".

Although dental caries rarely kills people, it does cause significant pain, suffering, financial burden and decrease quality of life.