Food, Inc.

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Commenter: Jerry
For Mr. Kenner, the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the rest. Yale University released a study in March that appeared in the May issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

Researchers vistited McDonald's, Burger King, Starbucks and Au Bon Paine and counted the number of patrons who read on-prmeise nutritional info. Out of ,311 people observed ONLY SIX (0.1%) looked at the data.

Thus, the vegans, vegetarians, crudsaders etc. can do their own thing but remember that most Americans simply don't care. Statistically, you are totally irrelevant.

Commenter: Huxley
The companies that handle food are far better equipped to know when to recall their food than do the bureaucrats on Capitol Hill. Stop needlessly delegating power to the federal government.

Commenter: Russell on Olympic Peninsula
I must say I am grateful for the information in all the episodes of NOW I have seen. However David Brancaccio seems to be on the same side of everyone he interviews... Is it just me or does he seem to pitch very friendly questions.

For example he didn't go into the "great scientific debate" surrounding growth hormones in food. Why does he just leave it at that instead of pressing the issue? I think this episode was more a summery of a documentary then a thought out investigation.

Commenter: Sheri
Can't wait to see this movie. As we've moved towards more local and organic food our families health has improved across the board. Farmers markets and CSA's have been a good way to get fruits and veggies at a reasonable price. Monsanto, and the companies who have hijacked and adulterated our food supplies with their genetically modified products need to be stopped and forced to clean up their mess.

Commenter: Kevin in SF
Just saw this today and though I knew about the issues, it was still an eye-opening and thought-provoking movie. After careful deliberation, I believe that one of the solutions to the problems we see raised here is voting with our dollars and becoming more active in holding our elected officials responsible for our food safety. I also believe vegetarianism is not a solution for the problems raised, since all three problems (industrialism, corporate responsibility, and workers rights) apply just as equally to fruits and vegetables as they do meat and dairy. Sustainable, humane, and fair labor practices do exist in livestock production, which Joel Salatin - featured in the movie - goes on to prove. And considering what percentage of the problems we see stem from the production of soy and corn, taking away a need for vegetarianism after seeing this movie is completely missing the point. See this movie and decide for yourself!!

Commenter: Andrea
I saw the film a few days ago and I think it did a great job of putting together the wide variety of issues associated with our corporatized food system-animal cruelty, environment, animal diseases, public health, immigration and worker abuse. My one complaint was that at the end of the film, when they suggested solutions consumers can take to solve these problems, they did not emphasize the importance of reducing consumption of animal products and shifting towards a more vegetarian diet. Shifting to free-range animal products is important, but it's unlikely that growing animals in a free range system will provide the same amount of meat to the public as factory farming, so consumers, especially those of us in the western world, must start eating much less meat, poultry, eggs and dairy. The filmmakers did suggest eating less meat on their website, but they should have also mentioned this action in the film itself.

Commenter: Jack Sawyer
Go vegan! For your health, for the planet, for the animals.

Commenter: Julie S
Thank you for doing this. The American public needs to be educated as to what is really happening out there. You are making a difference.

Commenter: goose
If this had more about the Monsanto and ConAgra companies and what they are doing to our food it would have had some meaning.
But, he did a hit

Commenter: Lucy
Making nicey with the Terrorist Moslems (Not all moslems are extremists) will not and is not helping the cause of peace.
North Korea and Iran are building up nuclear weapons as they speak of peace. We cannot ignore the facts and just listen to words. Actions speak louder.
We need to pray for peace and work for justice.
There is no real peace without justice.
Blessings, Lucy

Commenter: Steve Spence
I have found the movie trailer and the interview informative, and accurate as to my own health. Since I have started buying form the local CSA instead of the processed foods at the local grocery, my blood tests are improving, my weight is dropping, and my general health has improved. As to playing nice with the muslims, they have been killing non-muslims for centuries. their goal is to make the world muslim, so you can't stay out of "their land", because they want yours, and the only way to play nice, is to become muslim. Not this little gray duck!

Commenter: Martha Anne Reeves
The Muslims will not be content until they have persuaded or forced everyone else to become Muslims. You cannot appease terrorists.

Commenter: Canoe Plankton
Why not take action and support local, indie eateries. Join the Dine Indie movement at DineIndie.com/TakeAction. No Burger King. No Applebees. No Agribusiness.

Commenter: Tracy
Care about animals? Go veg!
http://www.chooseveg.com/vegetarians-save-lives.asp

Commenter: Ray Prock
As long-time dairy farmers, my father, brother and I are passionate about our profession and committed to doing what's right for our animals and natural resources, while producing dairy products that are safe, affordable and healthy for your family.
Today, we operate more efficiently at our 500-cow dairy to keep up with the growing world demand for our milk and to remain economically viable. Modern technology enhances individual animal care and attention; for example, using my cell phone I can now access whole-health history for each cow. Modern housing keeps our animals comfortable and healthy – protecting them from weather extremes, predators and disease. A vet is here a minimum of every other week to check on our herd.
We're also doing everything we can to conserve and minimize our impact on the environment. In fact, we conserve 10- to 11-million gallons of groundwater each year through re-use.
Change? Yes. Compromise? No. We manage every aspect of our farm in a socially responsible manner so we can be proud of the legacy we leave.

Commenter: homemaker
The upcoming movie is purely garbage. The American consumer has the safest most abundant food supply in the world. American farmers and ranchers are committed to producing the most wholesome and nutrious food for us to eat. Don't be fooled by the misinformation from this movie.

Commenter: Kevin
I am a farmer and I am outraged at the misinformation in this movie. This movie attacks family farmers and is not portraying agriculture in an accurate way. This movie is not about attacking Big Business, but family farms. Do you go to the doctor and ask him to treat you with practices used in 1912? Why should farmers use practices from 1912 then? Technology has improved medicine, and agriculture. This movie uses scare tactics to promote your food being grown in foreign countries. How safe is that? The ultimate goal is a vegetarian society, with food imported from a foreign country. Do not buy into this propaganda, instead, go meet a real farmer and ask them how food is grown. Farmers protect their animals and have bio-security on their farms to protect your food supply. They don't allow strangers near their animals to protect the animals from disease.

Commenter: piscesgirl
This movie isn't about Big Business, it's about putting an end to FAMILY FARMS. I am a 5th generation family farmer and the lies told in this movie aim to put my farm out of business. Agriculture is my life's calling, and I am dedicated to producing food that is safe, nutritious and affordable. I take great pride in knowing that consumers can go to their local grocery store or restaurant and purchase food that is safe and wholesome for their family. I understand that contemporary agriculture doesn't look like it did in the past. But we're not unlike many other industries that have had to become more efficient to survive. The production practices I use are ethically grounded, scientifically verified, and economically viable. They allow me to maximize efficiency and meet the growing demand for food. I am committed to providing for the well-being of my animals and providing consumers a safe, nutritious and affordable supply of food. In fact, I've committed my life to it. We drink the same water and breathe the same air as our neighbors. I want to protect and sustain the environment for my family, my community and for future generations so they have it as good, or better, than I do. There are strict standards in place for nutrient and waste management, and we respect, support and abide by those standards. My children are my life, and my goal is to pass my farm onto them someday. If I abuse it, there will be no farm for my children. The SIZE of a farm does not indicate how well it is or isn't operated. SIZE doesn't matter. This movie aims to destroy family farms all across the United States, so foreign farmers can feed America.

Commenter: Troy Hadrick
Just like your wardrobe, agriculture doesn't look like it did just a few short decades ago. However that doesn't mean family farmers like my self are doing it wrong. Having been around livestock all of my life, I can easily tell by looking at the animal if they are stressed, sick or uncomfortable. Any time that happens, I have the responsibility to alleviate the situation. I do this so that the animal feels better and also so that I can produce the best possible product for the consumer to enjoy. Movies like this unfairly portray people like me as cruel, heartless, and greedy.

If you want to learn about agriculture, don't go to the movie theatre, go visit one of your local farmers that has dedicated his/her life to feeding our country.

Commenter: MediaSlackers
It seems that some commenters are worried about Kenner's credibility and that NOW's report was lopsided and lacking facts. While I agree the interview could have been more comprehensive, I completely disagree that anything was said that was untrue or without basis. Perhaps you would prefer Peter Jenning's report from 2003 entitled, "How to Get Fat Without Really Trying". There is no denying the fact that the "food" of today is killing us (and helping to erode our economy and security). To deny this is pure ignorance.

Commenter: maro
It is a good time to re-review the PBS' report about WHO KILL THE ELECTRIC CAR? To improve our destiny in transportation. I recalled that GM produce the transportation SOLUTION long time ago, but still we need the answer who and why determined its no production. Today, where is the accountability for those desiders? and How do we reward those who decided to kill the electric car? Knowing that no produce them is a environmental crime.

Please many people do not have an idea that the electric car existed. We must educate the consciuos of our people to see our future with the next generations as judges.

Commenter: michael
One thing viewers must consider when watching this movie as well as the interview; Robert Kenner utilizes his ability to create fear and doubt in the minds of consumers. That's all a "news terrorist" needs to begin to move public opinion in a direction he/she wants.

Kenner is not an objective and factual journalist but a producer of a movie that accomplishes his mission. He does not report the facts, but uses the power of suggestion, i.e., when he replies in the interview regarding the right to know what's in our food, "I think we would have greater access if we were talking about nuclear terrorism."

What's that, Kenner? You say, "I think?" Okay, but is that a true statement? Maybe, maybe not. Who knows? It's not something he has actually verified before making the statement.

In addition, Kenner's denial that personal responsibility for the choices people make with their food is a valid argument, while laying all the blame for what people eat at the feet of food producers is a classic tactic in the strategy of creating fear and doubt in the minds of consumers.

I think it's time some real journalists need look into the underworld of Kenner's finances and supporters of this video and report on who may actually be working to destroy the American food production system.

Commenter: colbydog
Just watched NOWs food inc program... and frankly, I was appalled by it.... there's no teeth in that whole show! the host david broncachio was so ambiguous one could hardly tell what they were supposed to take away from the information.

theres a much more insidious tactic being deployed now than any frankenfood, one world rule, privacy issue.. and that's the control and dissemination of information....

PBS/NPR/CPB are guilt of lying through omission.

theres so much fact being torpedoed by a single, well-placed line in any story.... that its insincere use is diabolical.

at one point in this story bronchachio actually said "there is much scientific debate about this issue" referring to the rBGH trouble with milk. MUCH SCIENTIFIC DEBATE?

that's like saying theres significant doubt of the connection mans activities have on global warming... or that smoking has anything to do with cancer... or that iraq or Hussein had anything to do with 9/11.... if the media wants to discredit a truth, it simply interjects a single sentence at the right time.... and creates reasonable doubt, and justifiable perception of a reality completely untrue.

theres recently been a study of viewer perception of the Colbert Report. Perhaps you are aware of this show? Its a comedy central spin-off of the daily show with host Stephen Colbert pretending to be a right-wing talk show host but completely making fun of the right, in the process... well a recent study of viewer perception found quite startling results when surveying a broad swatch of American viewers... both liberals and conservatives found the show informative, entertaining, and humorous.... but for entirely different reasons. Much like the 70s sitcom All in the Family ultimately tried to showcase or pervasive prejudices by creating Archie Bunker and his dysfunctional family ... it in fact fostered and (in a sense) permitted people to become more like Archie.... Conservative viewers of Colbert... use his character as something to model... not be reviled. They think much of his routine IS the self-parody of true right ideology.... meaning its good to keep ones reality in-check... therefore radical right xenophobia and conspicuous consumption are ok so long as you take time to make light of it now and again.

I got nothing out of the NOW show other than there is some yukky stuff that goes on in food production... big deal... frankly most people don't think farmers jobs aren't yukky to begin with.

A more truthful rendering by a true journalist, who broncacchio is not, wold be to spend time talking about WHY he can't talk about the topic... WHY he was required to say that sentence, and what a crisis we are in regarding the perception and actual power of government regulatory agencies. Then I'd think it worthwhile for me to watch.

Do you understand and agree with my line of thinking here? Certainly there is debatable issues here... but isn't the REAL story the one not being told... and the real trouble the fight being diluted by the presentation of both sides points in the most generic and non-threatening way.

Its like the cig story... or global warming... one powerfully placed sentence... many scientists disagree... that torpedo's truth unlike a thousand hours of fact... because the average person, has an out. A way to continue living the lie, to resist change and the possibility of having to risk non conformity.... either from the right... or the left.

I feel shows like this actually seem to be castrating the cause more than championing it.... its an epic "catch22" that's for sure.

either that ....or my tinfoil hat is on too tight!

see, I just did it to my own story! ;-)

Commenter: sakura
I would like deeply to thank you for this great program "Food Inc" and the speaker Mr. Robert Kenner. Yes, I absolutely agree with him. American people should know that food is most effective medicine. Customers should create an environment together in order to purchase more quality food at reasonable price. These high quality foods should be available to anyone, not only rich people but also all the people who live in this country equally, because it relates to the human right to live with good health. In fact, I have stopped taking any dairy products and meat since I came to the United States, because I knew that the taste is chemical and they look different and unnatural compared to the food in Japan. However, when I am back to Japan for vacation, I drink milk and eat red meat.

Commenter: John
What the American public finds reprehensible, is that as far back as 1998, now eleven (11) years and counting, Mary Bono of Calif, has been trying to provide for country of origin labeling to protect the American public from potentially tainted and toxic foodstuffs, while many members of congress as well as past leaders of our country are determined to sidetrack this issue and this law.

George W. Bush, in 2002 signed the COOL provisions into law.

And further, George W. has signed legislation to provide delay tactics to subvert this law on at least three or more occasions.

Yet, seven (7) years have elapsed, and the American people are just now becoming closer to having this law implemented.

George w. bush and his administration with the help of those in congress, who the people have elected to serve at the pleasure of the American public, are
playing politics with the health, safety and welfare of the American public.


The leadership in congress and the white house are allowing big business to dictate which foods will be allowed to poison the American public in the
name of their bottom lines and the almighty dwindling and worthless American dollar.

Congress and George W. went to war in Iraq faster than they have implemented the COOL law and provision, yet the Iraq war is far more complex than putting a country of origin label on a package of foodstuffs.


Why is this ?

Commenter: anonyman
Go Organic! Go local! Go Vegan! Go Raw!

Commenter: Mo
It's simple really: eat simply. I have changed the way I eat as I get older and it has made all the difference. I try to eat 'close to the ground.' Not quite a raw diet (yuk) but no processed food either. Kind of what my grandmother taught: eat your vegetables!

Commenter: john649
FROM BILL 'the food industry is one of the most ethical in our country.'

Please, give me a break, your awareness is clouded by your alliance to your work and financial income which is the main motivation for the lack of integrity with our food. I do not shop at mainstream grocery stores nor purchase any of the foods listed here as troubling. GM foods will be the holocaust of the future as long as people don't wake up and demand wholesome, healthy, organic, GM free food and become vegetarians. If you want to know the ethical thinking of monsanto watch these videos:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=9718E18F75D6A373

Commenter: John Yaeger
I think "making nice" trivializes the forever-ongoing effort to reconcile inflammatory differences with the Muslim world.

Commenter: Jeffrey Slott
While I certainly agree that the industrial food system that exists in this country has done more harm than good, I find the claim that it's cheaper to eat at a McDonald's than to prepare proper meals at home to be quite off the mark. I am able to prepare dinners for my mate and I for, at the most, three or four dollars, including desserts (which is always fresh fruit). A family of four or five could easily feed themselves a healthy dinner for around ten or twelve dollars, or the same amount as one would spend at a fast-food place, perhaps even less. You just have to learn what to shop for and where, and put a expend just a little more energy in the kitchen.

Commenter: Mike
Thank you VERY VERY much for this story.

I have been looking for some insight into the
food that comes off the shelf, across the counter
and into my body.

I've been wondering lately if it's absolutely
essential for so many food products to contain
"high fructose corn syrup" or other ingredients.

Certainly a companion piece to this is, I believe the
movie name is "King Corn".

And I still maintain that many of these problems are
perhaps directly related to the size of our population. We are busy trying to find, perhaps inherently unhealthy means for sustaining ourselves at the expense of our health, well-being, and our
environment.

And we are not being told the truth about these costs lest they threaten profits.

There may be some who would call this bias, but,
sometimes "bias" is simply an epithet thrown at
inconvenient truth.

Thank you.

Commenter: Natural Answers Radio w/Darren and Steve
We have been talking about and doing something about this for 5 long years!!!

A travesty. Why are people so concerned about climate change, perhaps a reality, but if you aren't alive why does it matter so much...children yes but at this rate they won't live to see it either!

We will be promoting this film HARD!!!

NATURALANSWERSRADIO.COM
ENERHEALTHBOTANICALS.COM

VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLARS...
FAX..EMAIL..HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD...YOUR ARE POWERFUL..BE THAT!!!!

Commenter: Grace
Thank you for informing the public with what is going on with our food today. People need to know more about their welfare. I appricate that you have the courage to let the public know the truth about our food. We need more shows like yours to tell the truth and start thinking about people for a change instead of making profit. The almighty dollar. Thank you again

Commenter: Bill VN
I have watched your program for many years and have a great respect for it, however tonight's broadcast on Food, Inc. was a travesty of good journalism. The film maker obviously has little regard for facts and, quite frankly, sounded like a "quack."

I have provided engineered products and engineering services to the food industry for many years, and I can say that, with few exceptions, the food industry is one of the most ethical in our country. They have children too and are just as concerned about the safety of the food chain as anyone else.

Also, in spite of the "big business" tone of the film's producer, most food today is actually produced by medium sized contract manufacturers/co-packers, many of whom are unnoticed by their communities yet good local citizens. And, there are few industries in the US that show such a level of innovation and entrepreneurship ; just shop at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's or Wegmen's.

Commenter: Roberta Stewart, seigstew@gte.net
"Making nice with the Muslim World" will only reduce terrorism IF we get out of their lands like they tell us to. No one in our country wants to talk about why the terrorists are after us, so of course we won't admit that THAT is why we're a target. We can kill all the Al Qaeda and Bin Ladens in any Muslim land and it won't stop terrorism against us until WE stop the terrorism we commit. And, of course, we likely will not - look at the howling already because Obama admitted up front that we deposed Iran's democratically elected president in the 50's and put in the Shah. The whole World knows it, but we in the U.S. have to continue seeing ourselves as lily pure. Until or unless we admit the dark side of our country's history, we are doomed.