CSPI is entirely right that researchers should disclose their industry ties. However, after examining the evidence above about how many results from corporate-funded scientists CSPI relies on in other contexts, one might be excused for thinking that CSPI recommends following the money only if research contradicts its agenda.
The point is not that the research on which CSPI is relying for its assertions about obesity is flawed, but that "follow the money" is not the only rule to adopt when considering scientific claims. Simply denouncing research as corporate-sponsored doesn't tell you whether that research is any good or not.
"The more a putative answer conforms to one's emotional needs, economic self interest, religious predilections, or political aspirations; the more group support and pressure there is to believe something; and the more those in authority wield their power in support of some answers and against others, the easier it may be to accept some answers and reject others and the harder it becomes for others to dissent," warned Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wash.) in his keynote address at the CSPI conference. The congressman's advice applies not only to journalists and businesspeople, but to activists as well.
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