Currently, there are numerous undeniable facts about America’s food supply. Notably, food is cheaper and plenty than decades ago. Again, groceries and supermarkets are now stocked with a large variety of foods. Besides, people are opting for fast foods instead of family meals. As a result, the health of people has dwindled significantly. In particular, cases of diabetes have increased among the poor and young people. Obesity cases are eminent among young people. Basing arguments on the underlying facts, the director of the film Food, Inc. lifts the veil of the US food industry. This reflective journal reviews the American food industry as depicted in the movie Food, Inc., as well as my thoughts, experiences, feelings, and learned concepts.
Kenner (2008) outlines notable changes that have occurred in the food industry such as the decline in the number of farmers and the increase of farm sizes over the years. Mainly, these changes have enabled few food manufacturers to accumulate influence and power. Again, the desire to enhance efficiency in both cultivation and production without regard to quality is the leading cause of numerous food safety problems. For instance, the use of corn instead of grass to feed animals for the sake of increasing yield and reducing cost has brought drug-resisting pathogens such as E. coli, which people ingest through contaminated food.
The movie is informative as it reveals the wicked deeds that food suppliers commit with the consent of government regulatory agencies – the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Mainly, food regulations and policies have failed to act accordingly hence compromising the quality of food supplies in the US. For instance, in some cases non-genetically engineered soya beans have been contaminated with genetically engineered soya beans. Further, the USDA has failed to close down food plants whose products have tested positive for E-Coli pathogens. Thus, the reluctant role played by the government exposes Americans to health threats.
Giant companies in the food industry such as Tyson and Monsanto prioritize profit rather than the health of consumers, the safety of workers, the welfare of family farmers, and the environment. Mainly, these companies control the US food supply. Notably, slaughterhouses use cheap labor, and in particular, individuals are easy to manipulate and who cannot reveal unhealthful practices because of a lack of knowledge about their rights. From a personal experience, I concur with Kenner (2008) on how giant corporations treat family farmers. Notably, one farmer lost almost everything after one of the giant corporate sued him for failure to deliver products as per the contract. In this regard, I feel that the government has given giant corporations a lot of power to operate with impunity.
In conclusion, the film demonstrates the manner in which the government favors food manufacturers in their pursuit of profits at the expense of consumers, farmers, workers, and the environment. For instance, consumers are exposed to the higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and pathogens such as E. coli. Besides, food manufacturers such as slaughterhouses use cheap labor and people who they can control. Further, the giant corporations treat family farmers unfairly, especially through court cases. Environmentally, there are cases of contaminated natural foods by genetically modified organic foods. In this regard, I feel that the film advocates for a positive change within the American food industry.
Reference
Kenner, R. (Director). (2008). Food Inc [Video file]. Web.