Life and health insurance industry investments in fast food

Am J Public Health. 2010 Jun;100(6):1029-30. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.178020. Epub 2010 Apr 15.

Abstract

Previous research on health and life insurers' financial investments has highlighted the tension between profit maximization and the public good. We ascertained health and life insurance firms' holdings in the fast food industry, an industry that is increasingly understood to negatively impact public health. Insurers own $1.88 billion of stock in the 5 leading fast food companies. We argue that insurers ought to be held to a higher standard of corporate responsibility, and we offer potential solutions.

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Fast Foods / economics*
  • Humans
  • Industry / economics
  • Industry / ethics
  • Industry / organization & administration
  • Insurance, Health / economics*
  • Insurance, Health / organization & administration
  • Insurance, Life / economics*
  • Investments / economics*
  • Public Health / economics
  • Social Responsibility
  • United States