Blog Entry #7: Food Inc.

After watching the movie Food, Inc. I was overwhelmed with emotions. While watching it in class, I sat there at first questioning why anyone would make me watch this? Are they trying to make me starve myself? Then I realized this isn't something I should just close my eyes to. If it is that bad that a movie can make me quit eating meat then there has to be a serious issue here. Although the film is extremely hard to stomach and you may have to watch some parts with only one eye open, it is a must see! Here's a few of the facts that helped me make this lifestyle change.  

The films purpose is to overall raise awareness and it does so well. With the heart-wrenching facts and disgusting secrets found in the film, it's hard to not see the message the creators of the movie were trying to get across. In the film its said that, "In the 1970s, the top five beef packers controlled about 25% of the market. Today, the top four control 80% of the market." Industries and large corporations have taken over the food industry, leaving barely any room for "the basics".

 

 

Another interesting fact from the film would be,  In 1998, the USDA implemented microbial testing for salmonella and E. coli so that if a plant repeatedly failed these tests, the USDA could shut down the plant. After being taken to court by the meat and poultry associations, the USDA no longer has that power.

To me, that seems unethical... how can the USDA not have the right to shut down and test plants for salmonella and E.coli?

 

Then In 1972, the FDA conducted 50,000 food safety inspections, but  In 2006, the FDA conducted only 9,164. That is crazy to me that there were more food inspections done in 1972 then now? 5x more! This is when you have to realize, you don't know what your eating, they don't know what your eating... so maybe you shouldn't be eating that?

 

If I hadn't made up my mind after hearing all that I was sold when I saw the images and videos of extreme animal abuse and torture.

 

 

 

After watching the video I was persuaded to make a lifestyle change, Until watching the clip, I never really questioned what I was eating or EVER thought about where it was from. It's important for everyone to become educated and realize what they are fueling their bodies with. We all have the choice to go organic or buy local, but often get lazy and caught up in the day to day routine that we don't stop to make it a priority. FROM NOW ON, I want to know what I'm eating!