“He will institute a five year ban on all executive branch officials lobbying the government for five years after they leave a government service,” read an Oct. 17 press release. “Congress will pass this ban so that it cannot be lifted by executive order.”

But it seems that rule won’t be a two-way street, leaving powerful lobbyists a clear path to wield influence within the federal bureaucracy, as evidenced by Torrey and others.

Most recently, the soda industry lobbied to shape 2015 US Dietary Guidelines under the Obama administration. The American Beverage Association was pleased with the final outcome, even as it suggested a limit on how much added sugar people should consume for the first time. That was followed up with a new labeling rule that would force food companies to list on food packaging how much added sugar is in products.

 

Correction: This story was modified to clarify the American Beverage Association’s position on the outcome of the 2015 US Dietary Guidelines.

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