Dr Phil Baker

Dr Baker is a Research Fellow at Deakin University and a member of the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition.

His work on ‘first-food systems’ helps to explain global changes in infant and young child feeding practices, in particular the rise in commercial milk formulas and other ultra-processed foods for children. Recent publications show how food systems transformations are driving a global rise in ultra-processed consumption; how the transnational baby food industry shapes first-food systems in ways that promote milk formula consumption over breastfeeding; and on the politics of ‘transforming food systems’ for public health and sustainability. 

Dr Baker is recently a member of the Independent Expert Group of the Global Nutrition Report. He has led a number of World Health Organization funded projects on nutrition policy and governance. He was recently a fellow of the Lancet Commission on Obesity.