Kerman University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Health Policy and Management 2322-5939 11 12 2022 12 01 Acknowledge the Elephant in the Room: The Role of Power Dynamics in Transforming Food Systems; Comment on “What Opportunities Exist for Making the Food Supply Nutrition Friendly? A Policy Space Analysis in Mexico” 3137 3140 4293 10.34172/ijhpm.2022.7382 EN Angela Carriedo Department of Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK World Public Health Nutrition Association, Peacehaven, UK 0000-0002-0193-6199 Helen Walls Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK 0000-0003-0538-3859 Kerry Ann Brown College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK 0000-0002-6803-5336 Journal Article 2022 05 11 <span class="fontstyle0">A paradigm shift is required to transform food systems, so they are more equitable, environmentally friendly, and healthy. This requires acknowledging which factors change or maintain the status quo. In this commentary, we reflect upon the Cervantes et al study findings and discuss the role of power dynamics in transforming food systems. This is directly relevant to Mexico in terms of (</span><span class="fontstyle2">i</span><span class="fontstyle0">) relationships between food system actors; (</span><span class="fontstyle2">ii</span><span class="fontstyle0">) the role of socio-economic political context; and (</span><span class="fontstyle2">iii</span><span class="fontstyle0">) opportunities for policy coherence and transformative food systems approaches. We suggest that the power dynamics that drive the food produced, sold, and consumed should be recognised in all (inter)national governance decision-making. The 2021 United Nations Food System Summit – when interest groups were perceived to overly influence the summit proceedings – is an example of how neglecting the role of power dynamics can undermine and slow food system transformation.</span> https://www.ijhpm.com/article_4293_7d62a275027741d98073d42b8f735c68.pdf