Food, Inc. is a 2008 documentary film that focuses on the industrialization of the food industry and the impact it has on our health, economy, and environment. The film covers various topics, such as corporate farming, animal welfare, food safety, and the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It also looks at the power that food companies have over consumers, as well as their lack of transparency. The film brings to light the problems associated with the industrialization of the food industry and calls for an overhaul of the current system.
Critics of the film have argued that it oversimplifies the issues and provides an overly pessimistic view of the food industry. However, most agree that the film is an effective way to educate viewers on the issues and to inspire them to take action. The film highlights the need for more regulation of food companies and for more transparency in the way food is produced and sold. It also encourages consumers to make informed decisions about the food they buy, and to support local and organic farmers. Overall, Food, Inc. is an informative and thought-provoking documentary that should be watched by anyone interested in learning more about the current state of the food industry.
Table of Contents
An opening
Summary of Film
Analyse on Consumer Downfall
Sources
This is the beginning
The movie Food, Inc depicts the changes in people’s eating habits and food systems. There are many gray areas between food suppliers and consumers. Corporations can hide the truth about ethical and quality standards in food production. Changes in the industry are affecting the majority of those who work in the food industry. These wrongdoings must be stopped from producers and consumers. Consumers must also be informed so that they can fight for the justice they deserve.
Summary of FilmThere has been much change in the food sector in the last 50 years as compared to 10,000 (Kenner 2008). Many American grocery stores and supermarkets are full of posters featuring fresh, farm-produced products. However, this illusion is only temporary. This is misleading as almost all supermarket food products are deemed unsafe. It’s not possible for any product to go out of stock in America’s grocery stores. Many areas around the world are involved in production. Tomatoes, for example, are green-harvested and ripened with ethylene gases. The food choices offered to consumers can lead to confusion. There are many things that happen in the poultry and meat aisles that can cause consumers to be skeptical. The meat is often boneless, and it’s clear that both workers and the animals have been abused. Multinational corporations have created a significant gap between consumers and food suppliers (Kenner 2008). These corporations have the power and business acumen to control what consumers say and know about their products. These corporations also control the way that consumers prepare and eat their products.
Fast food outlets have seen a dramatic increase in popularity due to the growth of these businesses and lifestyle changes. Unintended consequences can result from revolutions in food industry, such as corporations monopolizing the market. A loss of control over the production and acquisition of raw materials by farmers can also lead to health problems for consumers. Tyson, the largest meat packaging firm, has also taken over production and slaughtering (Kenner 2008). Scientific advancement has enabled scientists to create genes that can speed up the growth and fleshiness of animals, while also reducing their maturity time.
The corn sector is no exception. While the government manages the production, it also transports the corn to various uses. Gene modification is required to satisfy the many uses of corn. GMOs mature quicker, are cheaper and don’t require preservation. In response to a shortage, some farmers started feeding their animals corn to help them fatten up. Unintended consequences like the E.coli mutation, which can prove fatal, have been a result (Kenner 2008). This strain is not limited to meats, but can also be found in green vegetables. Multinational corporations have mastered the control of legal systems. Some heads oppose bills and motions relating to labeling GMO foods, FDA jurisdiction, nutrition and origin, as well as the FDA’s jurisdiction. Fast food stores are now more popular because they offer cheaper food.
Because of their busy lives and limited finances, many consumers choose to eat out and drink ready-to-drink beverages rather than making healthy meals at home. This has resulted in an increase of lifestyle-related diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, which affects both children and adults. Cross-contamination of food products is another concern.
These legal battles are also discussed. Monsanto, Moe are two examples. Farmers want to control the seeds they use. But they are confronted with expensive and corrupt lawsuits and lose or are forced to accept cut deals. In the end, it is the government’s responsibility to create policies and raise awareness to protect producers and consumers.
Analyse of Consumer Downfall
Food systems and ways of eating have changed with unexpected benefits and challenges. Food transition is a key feature of foodways. It involves two steps. The quantitative step increases the food intake and the diet transformation step (qualitative), changes the diet structure once the body reaches caloric saturation. 2012). The decrease in vegetable and cereal intake is coupled with an increase in sugars and fats. A low macronutrient level is possible due to changes in diet.
This means that consumers are getting substandard products. In western European countries, this led to a decline in potatoes and other cereals and an increase in oil, fats, and sugars.
Food losses and food wastes can occur during the production and distribution process. Guyomard and others. 2012: Kenner 2008). American corn is a popular feed for animals. Corn that is sold in supermarkets is highly processed and refined. Both market and non-market losses result in losses. This can be avoided through effective pest and disease management, marketing of storage infrastructure, and transport (Guyomard und al. 2012). The problem is that controlling distribution changes is hard because regulations must be modified. This resistance is often met by the authorities.
The revolution in food systems has made consumers vulnerable. This is because they must comply with the rules and standards set by regulators for processors as well as retailers. In order to adapt to the changes occurring in the food sector, including the marketing information, production methods, and nutritional facts, consumers must be aware of these. This will help bridge the technological divide between food production and consumers. Due to the increase in food production and consumption, the technological gap between consumers and food producers is constantly growing. The consumers must question the product’s integrity.
The westernization and exploitation of food systems has a negative impact on human health as well as the environment. Westernization means the change in agricultural systems, land uses, and eating patterns that harm the environment. This has opened the door to scientific research and allowed for high-quality pesticides and fertilizers to be used in food production. Without an understanding of the food production process, there can be serious health effects. Durbin, a pesticide used in banana production, was later found to be toxic (Banana Split 2002). GMOs and pesticides introduced onto the market have raised ethical and legal concerns, as well as questions about safety and labeling.
People now eat fast food due to the increasing cost of living and lifestyle changes. In order to increase income, wages will rise. Unfortunately, this is due to the fact that “income is obviously linked with diet” (Winson Sumner & Koc 2017). This has resulted in consumers being more susceptible to obesity and diet related illnesses. Guyomard (2008) also notes that these diseases are expensive and can be very draining on the family’s resources. 2012: Kenner 2008). Consumers choose unhealthy food choices, despite the risks involved.
FAO (2018) says that policies and programs implemented by departments and national agencies can have an adverse effect on the food supply. These agencies and departments are involved at every level, from the production line to the end consumer. In light of the rise in powerful, multinational food companies, governments must ensure that the safety and interests of the consumer are top priorities (Kenner, 2008). This requires policies to target the behavior of consumers, which include favorable taxation and adequate budgeting.
