One of the most powerful groups that influences Americans’ eating decisions is dominated by junk food companies.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and its foundation “assist the food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and agribusiness industries through their large network of professionals and students, their lax internal policies on corporate partnerships and their topical position papers.” These are the scathing conclusions of a new investigative report into the AND’s operations. It tells a crony story that many of us know all too well: the “experts” who wield considerable power and influence over national food policies are beholden to the junk food companies driving the chronic disease epidemic. It is another reason why we should not listen to the food advice dispensed by the AND and the federal government.

The AND is a trade association for registered dietitians. The AND’s stated mission is “to accelerate improvements in global health and well-being through food and nutrition.”