Food Archives

Industrialization of Food Production: The True Cost

How has the industrialization of food production changed the way we eat? What five shifts in nutrition did it cause? According to Michael Pollan, the author of In Defense of Food, the industrialization of food production has compromised our relationship with food in many profound ways. Specifically, industrializing food production has led to five major shifts in nutrition that are responsible for most food-related diseases. Keep reading to learn about the consequences resulting from the industrialization of food production, according to Michael Pollan.

The Problem With Fast Food and How to Fight Back

What’s the problem with fast food? How can average consumers fight back against this industry? The problem with fast food is in part that it’s difficult to fight. Fast food is a colossal industry that controls farming, food production, work conditions, and more. But fighting back is possible. Keep reading for a rundown of fast food issues and how to fight back.

The Meat Industry: Animal Cruelty Is Everywhere

Does the meat industry have animal cruelty? What kinds of conditions do animals face? It’s first worth noting that the fast food industry and meatpacking industry go through great efforts to stop people from seeing the full extent of animal cruelty in their industry. But animals face constant suffering until their deaths. Read more about the meat industry and animal cruelty below.

E. Coli in Beef: Mass Farming Means More Disease

Why is there so much E. coli in beef? How does this affect food quality at fast food restaurants? E. coli is common in beef products, particularly in mass production and factory farming. Cows get sick and in turn, pass along diseases to humans. Read more about E. coli in beef and why it’s commonly found in fast food.

The Lipid Hypothesis: The Biggest Food Hoax Ever?

What is the lipid hypothesis? How did the lipid hypothesis change dietary guidelines in the United States? Was there any evidence to corroborate it? The lipid hypothesis is a medical theory that postulates an association between the intake of saturated fat and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This hypothesis motivated the McGovern committee to create the Dietary Goals for the U.S. report which advised Americans to limit their consumption of red meat and dairy even though the evidence was weak. Keep reading to learn about the health implications of the lipid hypothesis.

McDonald’s: Food Poisoning and Lack of Accountability

How common is McDonald’s food poisoning? Why is McDonald’s food so susceptible to contamination and disease? McDonald’s food poisoning often consists of bacterial illnesses like E. coli. Factory farming and unsanitary conditions in restaurants can lead to food poisoning issues. Read more about McDonald’s food poisoning and the conditions that make this possible.

What Is Real Food? Michael Pollan’s Answer

What is real food? How can you tell which foods are real, that is, unprocessed and unadulterated by chemicals? Food is all around us, but according to Michael Pollan, the author of In Defense of Food, most of it is not real. But, what exactly is real is food? According to Pollan, there are three criteria that can help you tell which foods are real and which ones are not. The following three rules can help you determine what food is real.

Fast Food Regulation: Failure and Influence

Is there fast food regulation in the industry? What kinds of government restrictions are put in place? In reality, when it comes to fast food regulation, big businesses are in control. Even regulatory agencies like OHSA have little power to act independently. Read more about fast food regulation and the fast food lobbyists that control it.

Nutritionism and the Rise of Fake Food

What is nutritionism? How has the ideology of nutritionism changed the way we determine the health value of food products? Popularized by Michael Pollan in his book In Defense of Food, nutritionism refers to a paradigm which states that the value of food is determined solely by its constituent nutrients. Pollan argues that the ideology of nutritionism has distorted our understanding of healthy eating, such that even processed foods are believed to be healthy because they contain certain nutrients. Keep reading to learn about the rise of nutritionism.

Meat Packing Workers Face Injury and Death on the Job

What dangers do meat packing workers face? Why is this job so dangerous? After over a hundred years since the publication of The Jungle, meat packing workers still struggle with poor working conditions. Meat packing workers are unsafe, underpaid, and exploited. Read more about meat packing workers and the struggles they face—including death on the job.