The Timing, Nature and Extent of Social Media Marketing by Unhealthy Food and Drinks Brands During the COVID-19 Pandemic in New Zealand

Social media posts from 14 of 20 of the nation’s biggest food and drink brands during March, April and May 2020 referenced the Covid-19 response, according to an analysis just published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.

Covid-washing “portrays a company as empathetic and contributing in a meaningful way to the pandemic response, when, in reality, it was just another strategy to promote products and choices that are detrimental to health,” says lead author Dr Sarah Gerritsen.