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Meta’s Removal of Fact-Checking Sparks Concerns Over Nutrition Misinformation

Meta’s Removal of Fact-Checking Sparks Concerns Over Nutrition Misinformation


Meta’s decision to remove fact-checking from its platforms has raised concerns among experts about the potential for misinformation to spread unchecked, particularly in discussions around nutrition. Robbie Lockie, founder of the Freedom Food Alliance—parent organization to FoodFacts.org, a platform designed to empower consumers with reliable, science-backed information—discusses the implications of this change and why it could impact public trust and health. From the rise of "super spreaders" to strategies for combating misinformation, Lockie offers insights into the steps individuals, businesses, and governments can take to navigate this complex issue.

1) Why is the removal of fact-checking on Meta platforms a big deal? What are Community Notes exactly, and why do you feel it is not enough? What problems do you foresee when it comes to discussions about nutrition on social media?

The removal of fact-checking on Meta platforms is a significant setback for combating misinformation. Fact-checkers provide an independent layer of accountability, especially in discussions around nutrition, where misinformation can have real-world consequences for health and well-being.

Community Notes, while well-intentioned, rely on crowdsourced moderation, which can be vulnerable to bias and manipulation. Nutrition science is complex, and it often requires expertise to contextualize claims accurately. Without professional oversight, it’s easy for misinformation to spread under the guise of debate.

This creates a perfect storm for nutrition misinformation to thrive. Trendy diets, false health claims, and influencer-driven pseudoscience can mislead millions, making it harder for people to discern what’s genuinely healthy. This is particularly dangerous when misinformation targets vulnerable groups, like individuals with specific health conditions or parents seeking advice for their children.

2) What are “Super Spreaders” on social media? Any tips on how to spot them? How can people report them to the Freedom Food Alliance?

“Super Spreaders” are individuals or accounts with large followings that regularly amplify misinformation. They often present themselves as experts without proper qualifications or cherry-pick data to push an agenda—whether for profit, clout, or ideological reasons.

To spot them, look for:

● Sensationalist language or fear mongering.

● Lack of credible citations or reliance on fringe sources.

● Patterns of sharing debunked claims or unverifiable information.

If you encounter such accounts, you can report them to the Freedom Food Alliance via our website or social media. We encourage users to submit screenshots, links, or descriptions of misleading content so we can investigate and potentially address it with accurate information on FoodFacts.org.

3) What can businesses, organizations, and individuals do to help reduce misinformation on social media?

Reducing misinformation requires collective action:

Businesses should invest in transparency and ensure their marketing claims are backed by science. Supporting fact-checking initiatives or creating educational content can also help.

Organizations can collaborate with fact-checkers, like Freedom Food Alliance, to amplify accurate information and debunk falsehoods.

Individuals should question and verify before sharing content. Using trusted sources, engaging critically with claims, and flagging misinformation to platforms are powerful actions.

Raising awareness is critical—yes, even memes about Mark Zuckerberg can spark conversation, but constructive dialogue is more effective long-term. Using citations and encouraging healthy skepticism are vital practices to rebuild trust in information.

While the current situation is challenging, it’s also an opportunity for those advocating for truth. With the right strategy, this can be a moment to showcase the importance of fact-checking and empower audiences to demand higher standards from platforms.

Meta’s Removal of Fact-Checking Sparks Concerns Over Nutrition Misinformation


4) What type of actions would you like to see governments everywhere take to combat misinformation?
Governments have a responsibility to safeguard the information ecosystem. I’d like to see them:

Invest in media literacy education at all levels to equip citizens with critical thinking skills.

Support independent fact-checking initiatives through grants or partnerships.

Mandate transparency from social media platforms, including algorithms that amplify misinformation.

Enforce accountability for harmful content, such as health misinformation that endangers lives.

Governments must also collaborate globally. Misinformation is a transnational issue, and coordinated efforts are necessary to address its scale and complexity.

5) For those who are celebrating the removal of fact-checking because they feel they can now post what they like without censorship, what would you like them to consider before further celebrating this change?

Freedom of expression is essential, but with freedom comes responsibility. Removing fact-checking doesn’t mean the consequences of spreading misinformation disappear. Posting false or misleading content—whether intentionally or not—can harm others, erode trust, and contribute to a culture of confusion and division.

Before celebrating, consider the ripple effect of misinformation on public health, climate change, or social cohesion. Would you want your loved ones to make life-altering decisions based on false information? Everyone has a role in ensuring that free speech doesn’t undermine informed discourse.

6) What role do the Freedom Food Alliance and FoodFacts.org play in all of this?

The Freedom Food Alliance and FoodFacts.org are here to empower consumers with reliable, science-backed information about food and nutrition. We cut through the noise of sensationalist claims and pseudoscience by providing detailed fact-checks and accessible resources.

FoodFacts.org focuses on transparency and education. By addressing misinformation head-on, we help consumers make informed choices that align with their health, values, and the planet’s well-being.

Robbie Lockie
"Robbie Lockie, Founder of Freedom Food Alliance - parent organization to Food Facts - is a mis/ disinformation expert when it comes to nutrition. Robbie Lockie is U.K. based, and recognized worldwide for their notable achievements as seen here on stage at the Vegan India Conference. They are also a co-founder of the popular media platform, Plant Based News."

We also collaborate with experts to ensure our content remains trustworthy and actionable. Our goal is to create a space where consumers can confidently navigate the complexities of the food system without falling victim to misleading narratives.

This work is more vital than ever in the face of growing misinformation. By equipping individuals with the tools to discern fact from fiction, we’re fostering a more informed, resilient society.

As social media platforms like Meta adjust their policies, the debate over accountability and the spread of misinformation continues to grow. Organizations like the Freedom Food Alliance and its consumer-focused platform, FoodFacts.org, aim to fill the gap left by these changes by providing reliable, science-based resources to empower individuals and promote informed choices. Whether through advocating for fact-checking initiatives, educating the public, or offering tools to combat misinformation, efforts to address these challenges remain essential. With public health and trust in accurate information at stake, the conversation about how to navigate this evolving digital landscape is far from over.

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