Global Food Monopolies and AI Drive-Thrus Squeeze Public Health
August 8, 2026
Ultra-processed food conglomerates are launching international lawsuits to block public health regulations while heatwaves and geopolitical conflict drive global food prices to a three-year high. Simultaneously, the automation of drive-thrus and the growth of state-backed retail surveillance expand corporate control over daily survival and urban food access.
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Why are ultra-processed food firms panicking and suing? Because they know time is running out | Felicity Lawrence
As the harm caused by their products becomes more evident, manufacturers are resorting to denial and lawsuits to keep regulation at bay It is rare for people to drop dead holding the incriminating packaging, but there is no longer any serious doubt that consuming a diet of ultra-processed foods (UPF…
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Ultra-processed food companies hindering health drives by suing countries, says WHO
Exclusive: Director general accuses corporations of obstructing efforts to tackle obesity crisis after investigation by Guardian and others The world’s biggest ultra-processed food corporations are hindering global efforts to tackle the obesity crisis by suing governments that try to promote healthi…
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How ultra-processed foods may damage your long-term brain health
An increasing number of studies have linked ultra-processed foods with depression, anxiety and even dementia. Columnist Helen Thomson explores how strong the evidence is for the brain effects of a diet full of these foods
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Global food prices at three-year high as heatwaves and wars push up crop costs
UN index says weather is affecting wheat yields while conflicts in Ukraine and Iran hit exports and drive up prices Business live – latest updates Global food prices have hit their highest level in three and a half years, as summer heatwaves and conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East push up crop c…
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The typical gig worker is changing – and struggling more than ever to make ends meet
The number of gig workers on public benefits has surged in recent years. AP Photo/John Minchillo The next time you call an Uber ride or order food delivery with an app, there’s a good chance that the gig worker you meet is getting government benefits. In 2025, companies such as DoorDash, Lyft and Ub…
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Food access isn't just a social issue, it's a matter of national security
Food insecurity is one of Canada’s most pressing social issues. In a world marked by escalating conflicts, climate shocks and volatile supply chains, a nation that cannot reliably feed its own population is not secure.
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AI Conquered Coding. Fast Food Is Next
Your next drive-thru order might be taken by a bot. And you might not even notice.
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Congress Might Give ICE the Power to Go After Shoplifters
A bill intended to halt the supposed threat of “organized retail crime” would put ICE in charge of the federal response. The post Congress Might Give ICE the Power to Go After Shoplifters appeared first on The Intercept.
- structural power
- geopolitics
- OSINT methodology
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Mamdani tackles cost of living crisis in New York with 30% discounts
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a new plan to sell discounted grocery baskets at city-run stores.
- geopolitics
- structural power
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What do we actually know about the microplastics inside us?
Pervasive plastic contamination and unreliable methods have clouded the science on microplastics in the human body. In an interview, Australian scientist Cassandra Rauert, who built a plastics-free lab to study human exposure, explores the challenges for researchers.