Response # 5: Food Industry, or Food Mafia?

Occasionally we come across and movie, book, or experience that rocks us to our core. The documentary Food Inc. not only has to power to do just that, but also has to potential to turn the most dedicated meat-eater into a vegetarian. Has our food industry grown out of control? If the accusations in the documentary are true, the food industry looks more like a food mafia, than a business industry. The documentary is filled with tales of cruelty from animal abuse to worker abuse. In many ways it almost sounds as though it could be the sequel to Sinclair’s The Jungle. The food industry has become powerful with teams of lawyers, and many of the company’s associates filling seats in controlling political positions. Many feel that the food industry seems to be holding all the cards, and strong arming others to play by their rules; it’s no wonder so many feel as though they are unstoppable.

Remember though, there was a time when many felt that the tobacco industry was unstoppable too. The food industry may not be able to be beaten in the courtroom like the tobacco company, but they can be beaten at the registers. By the end of the movie the viewer is left feeling empowered knowing that they do have a choice, and they can make a difference. After all, the consumers are the ones that truly drive the market. Consumers decide what we they want and there is big business in supplying it for them. Even giants like Wal-mart are beginning to sell organics to supply customer’s demands.

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