Michele Simon

Michele Simon is a public health attorney and food policy expert known for her research and writing on the food industry's influence on public health. Her work focuses particularly on corporate marketing tactics, food politics, and industry attempts to shape health policy. Simon's 2006 book "Appetite for Profit: How the Food Industry Undermines Our Health and How to Fight Back" established her as a prominent critic of food industry practices. She has also authored numerous reports examining corporate lobbying and marketing strategies, including investigations into the dairy, alcohol, and plant-based food industries. As president of Eat Drink Politics, a consulting firm she founded, Simon provides strategic advice to organizations working on food policy and public health issues. Her analysis and commentary have appeared in major media outlets including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and NPR. Simon holds a master's degree in public health from Yale University and a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She has taught food policy at several universities and frequently speaks at conferences and events focused on food systems and public health advocacy.

Readers view Michele Simon as a thorough researcher who exposes food industry practices with detailed documentation. Her book "Appetite for Profit" receives attention from both public health advocates and industry critics. What readers liked: - Clear breakdown of corporate lobbying tactics - Extensive citations and evidence - Practical suggestions for policy reform - Accessible writing style for complex topics What readers disliked: - Some find her tone confrontational - Critics say she oversimplifies industry motivations - Limited discussion of solutions beyond policy changes - Focus primarily on U.S. food system Ratings: - Goodreads: 4.0/5 (127 ratings) - Amazon: 4.2/5 (48 reviews) Notable reader comments: "Meticulously researched exposé that connects dots between corporate influence and public health" - Goodreads reviewer "Important information but comes across as one-sided" - Amazon reviewer "Made complex policy issues understandable without oversimplifying" - LibraryThing review

Appetite for Profit: How the Food Industry Undermines Our Health and How to Fight Back (2006) An examination of food industry marketing tactics, lobbying efforts, and their impact on public health policy and consumer choices.

Beer Politics: How the Industry Gets Its Way (2012) An analysis of the beer industry's influence on legislation, marketing regulations, and public health policies in the United States.

And Now a Word From Our Sponsors: Are America's Nutrition Professionals in the Pocket of Big Food? (2013) A report investigating the financial relationships between food companies and registered dietitians through their professional associations.

Best Public Relations Money Can Buy: A Guide to Food Industry Front Groups (2013) A detailed look at how food industry-funded organizations shape public discourse and policy around food and nutrition issues.

Marion Nestle writes about food politics, nutrition policy, and industry influence on dietary guidelines. She examines corporate control of the food system and its impact on public health, similar to Simon's focus on industry tactics.

Raj Patel investigates global food systems and corporate power in agriculture through research and policy analysis. His work explores food sovereignty and alternatives to industrial agriculture.

Anna Lappé focuses on sustainable food systems and corporate influence in agriculture through investigations of marketing practices and industry lobbying. She examines connections between food systems, environmental issues, and public health.

Ken Silverstein reports on corporate and government corruption through investigative journalism focused on money in politics. His research methods and exposure of industry influence parallel Simon's approach to food industry investigation.

Michael Moss investigates food industry practices and marketing strategies through examination of internal corporate documents and insider interviews. He uncovers how food companies influence eating habits and public health outcomes.