Movie Review - Food Inc.

Food Inc. is a movie about the close connection between the food industry and big business, and how that affects the consumers choice in the grocery store, as well as their safety. The film also explores the massive gap that has grown between people and the origins of their food.

The average person is probably very unaware of the close ties between the multi-billion dollar food companies and the government. How does this happen and why does it matter?

McDonald's is the largest purchaser of ground beef in the U.S., and one of the largest purchasers of potatoes, chicken, and even apples. In the 1970's, the top five beef packers owned only 25% of the beef industry. Today, the top 4 beef packers control more than 80% of the beef market. When a handful of companies are purchasing the majority of a food, they suddenly have immense power into how they want that food produced.

Food Inc. argues that a small number of companies controlling such a large proportion of the food industry gives them too much power and influence over the food supply. When large companies are driven by profit, and less concerned about the welfare of the public and livestock, health issues such as antibiotic resistance can arise.

"Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment."

Large companies often lobby government according to their agendas. Executives at companies such as Monsanto are ending up in prominent positions in government organizations such as the FDA and USDA. In effect, the regulatory agencies are being controlled by the very companies they're meant to investigate. Needless to say, this could potentially add a bias to the decision making going on within these agencies regarding food safety and food policy, and Food Inc. argues that these multinational food companies end up with more influence than the public and consumers purchasing the food.

Although this movie is targeted at America, similar things are happening in Canada with companies like Monsanto. Awareness is our best defence. If you're interested in your health, food or the environment, I recommend this movie and you can draw your own conclusions.

Visit the official movie website here.

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