We all want a healthier America and there is work to be done. We’ve seen a steady decline in American’s health according to a detailed analysis of all 50 states and we’re falling behind dozens of other wealthy countries.

According to the Rockefeller Foundation, we spend more than $1.1 trillion a year on diet-related health care. That’s more than we spend on food. We all want, and our country needs, a healthier America, and credible, science-based information must chart our path.

Unfortunately, a proliferation of misinformation and sensationalized claims in a polarized and fragmented media environment are working against improved health outcomes.

The current digital discussion of seed oils and raw milk is a perfect example of how misinformation is sowing confusion that can undermine better health. Decades of research from leading universities and government researchers have carefully evaluated and measured the health benefits and food safety risks of seed oils and raw milk.

While the scientific consensus is clear, a growing number of voices in the health and wellness space seem to have confused the two. Scientists, dietitians and cardiologists would all agree that the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats in seed oils are not just safe, but lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.

Raw milk on the other hand can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Listeria and Brucella, which are especially dangerous for children under the age of five, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. And yet, some narratives claim seed oils are toxic, while touting raw milk as a superior alternative, despite scientific evidence to the contrary.

The magnitude of the decline in our collective health is drawing urgent attention to the challenges we face. Every good story needs a villain and it has become popular sport in recent years to express our collective outrage at the product or process causing obesity, climate change, excessive screen time, lack of exercise, inadequate health funding, poor school nutrition and much more. We are understandably frustrated and the opportunity to vent provides a much-needed outlet.

Ideally, science would be the driver in our collective understanding of how to make America healthier. The erosion of science as the foundation for health-based decision-making leaves us vulnerable to the vagaries of the digital winds and the whims of the latest influencer, with no guardrails for determining which claims are true and which are false.

Unfortunately, we face an uphill battle in making credible, evidence-based science the foundation for the critical decisions ahead. In fact, “someone like me” is as trusted as a scientist, according to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer.

Now more than ever, those of us in food and agriculture must step forward, not just to correct misinformation but to engage meaningfully with those seeking answers. We can’t assume that simply presenting the facts will be enough; we must earn trust through transparency, empathy and relevance.

If we want credible science to shape public perception and understanding, we must communicate it in ways that resonate. That means meeting people where they are – acknowledging their concerns, demonstrating shared values and making the science accessible and actionable.

If those of us working in food and agriculture want to significantly increase the role that science plays in the current social decision-making process, we need to make it more relevant and meaningful and create a factual narrative that can compete with sensationalized misinformation. It demands a proactive, sustained effort to foster a culture of informed decision-making – one where scientific integrity is valued as much as personal conviction.

Food and agriculture leaders must recognize that the stakes go beyond industry reputation. Ensuring that credible, science-based information guides consumer choices is fundamental to building a healthier, more resilient society.

Here are three important initial steps on our fact-based journey to better health.

1. Leverage values. Facts are more likely to be considered if you demonstrate that you care about the same things consumers do – like safe food, good nutrition and protecting the environment. In fact, CFI’s peer-reviewed and published Trust Model™ shows that connecting on shared values is three-to-five times more important to earning trust than simply sharing facts. Our 2025 consumer research shows that authentic, “real” experiences and providing reassurances to relieve anxiety and counter misinformation are powerful when delivered with shared values.      
2. Increase transparency. Understand what’s relevant to your most important stakeholders and commit to consistent, ongoing transparent engagement – the good, the bad and the ugly. Trust increases when you demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.     
3. Up our game. The time for action is now. When we increase our individual and collective efforts to a level that creates a compelling fact-based narrative that effectively competes with misinformation, we drive a powerful shift in public perception and make credible science the cornerstone of consumer choice.     

There is work to be done. A truly healthy America depends on our ability to put credible, science-based information at the center of the conversation.   

About Charlie Arnot

Charlie Arnot is recognized as a thought leader in food and agriculture. He is highly regarded as both a writer and sought-after speaker who engages audiences around the globe. Charlie has more than 25 years of experience working in communications, public relations and issues management within the food system. He serves as CEO of The Center for Food Integrity, a international non-profit organization dedicated to building consumer trust and confidence in today’s food system.

About CFI

The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) is the trusted partner and strategic resource to build trust across the food and agriculture value chain. Leveraging industry-leading research, actionable consumer insights, and emerging trend analysis, CFI empowers our members and stakeholder partners to confidently navigate a fragmented trust landscape. Our proprietary frameworks and member-exclusive resources help organizations engage with authenticity, transparency, and relevance.