Food Industry Essay Example
Food Industry Essay Example

Food Industry Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (1059 words)
  • Published: August 15, 2021
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There has been an increase in the number of restaurants and food businesses offering service and meals to people.

Despite being required to provide customers with a mandatory list of ingredients, many industries have failed to fully disclose the precise components included in their food products. In fact, some industries even go as far as completely withholding information regarding the composition of their food items. These deceitful practices deceive consumers and prevent them from knowing which substances they are ingesting. It is unjust for industries to trick customers by hiding information about the substances they incorporate into their products; individuals deserve to be informed about the contents of their food. Regrettably, this lack of transparency within the food industry has persisted for a significant period and continues to be an ongoing concern.

While some companies provide ingredient labels that claim to disclose all

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the ingredients used in their food products, it is important to be aware of potential deception. Many companies market their products as "all natural" while concealing controversial ingredients. To hide certain ingredients, companies frequently substitute their original names with different ones. For example, a product labeled as "organic," such as raw organic cane sugar, is essentially identical to regular table sugar. It should be noted that being organic does not guarantee a product's healthiness.

Deceptive practices in various industries involve manipulation of the ingredients list, with the intention of deceiving consumers and boosting sales rather than promoting transparency. Such behavior obstructs consumers from making informed decisions regarding their food choices, ultimately violating their right to know the actual ingredients used.

According to nutritionist Willow Jarosh, when people go on diets, they often believe that the food

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they are consuming will benefit their health. However, in reality, they are often substituting ingredients and losing nutritional value. In an article from Teen Vogue, Jarosh provides a prime example of this: low-fat peanut butter. This type of peanut butter removes healthy fats and oils and replaces them with sugar and fillers like maltodextrin. While it may have fewer calories per serving, this trade-off is not worth it as it does not leave you feeling satisfied.

Additionally, the food industry itself has been found to include disgusting ingredients. Studies have revealed that 48 percent of soda fountain dispensers contain fecal bacteria. Another alarming discovery relates to Subway's use of azodicarbonamide in their breads. This ingredient is commonly found in yoga mats and serves as both a bleaching agent and dough conditioner in food.

Although azodicarbonamide is present in fast food and store-bought bread products, it is also found in various other items like yoga mats, shoe rubber, and synthetic leather. Despite Subway's commitment to remove this controversial ingredient in the future, its usage remains widespread. In 2015, a bill was introduced with the purpose of hiding information about our food contents. Resolving this situation is crucial. We firmly assert our right to be informed about the substances we consume. Enjoying a burger or indulging in an apple pie should not have negative consequences due to artificial ingredients.

McDonald's apple pies do not actually contain apples. Instead, they are made with potato filling due to its lower cost compared to apples. Although the ingredients claim to include apples and apple flavoring, this is false. It appears that companies use this practice to save money and sell the product more

quickly.

Profit is prioritized by large corporations over the health of consumers, neglecting their well-being. Their primary objective is to save and generate money. This mindset is evident in both the fast food industry and agricultural sector, where farmers frequently employ fertilizers and weed killers as a means of safeguarding crops against pests and rodents. Unfortunately, they often fail to consider the potential dangers these substances may pose if consumed. The World Health Organization has stated that the weed killer "Roundup" comprises chemicals that could potentially result in cancer.

Another example are GMO’s. GMO stands for genetically modified organism. Pretty self explanatory. These GMO foods include most of the produce you see and consume eat day.

Despite the FDA's reassurances, genetically modified food may have adverse effects on human health and the environment. The inclusion of unknown ingredients to improve size or taste raises concerns about the potential unpleasantness and unhealthiness of such food. This not only impacts humans but also affects animals, disrupting their natural ecosystems and depriving them of fulfilling lives. Studies indicate that rodents fed genetically modified corn and soy display signs of bodily toxicity.

A potential solution for addressing concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is to initiate a petition. This comes as genetically modified potatoes have been discovered to cause excessive cell growth in rat stomach linings, which may lead to cancer. Similarly, genetically modified cotton plants have resulted in the deaths of numerous buffalo, sheep, and goats in India. In Germany, twelve cows suddenly died after consuming genetically modified corn.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association opposes GMO labeling and argues that it is unnecessary and costly since GMOs are proven to be safe. However, this

stance raises suspicions that they are willing to deceive consumers about the presence of GMOs in their food and beverages for financial gain. The association includes major food companies such as Pepsi and Kellogg.

In previous instances, successful petitions have resolved over half of the issues. This particular petition aims to stop the practice of concealing ingredients in our food in order to ensure our safety. We now have an opportunity to oppose a bill that was introduced in both 2015 and 2016, allowing big corporations to withhold important information about the ingredients used in their products. Consequently, our right to fully understand what we consume is being denied.

We will advocate for improved food labeling, surpassing a basic nutrition facts label to encompass the labeling of all ingredients in our food, including GMO foods. Comprehending the nutritional worth of what we consume is crucial. In an interview, Mrs. Obama stressed the significance of being able to ascertain if a product is advantageous for one's family by reading its packaging while shopping at a nearby grocery store. Mrs. Obama's statement holds absolute truth!

We must take action and express our opposition to the proposed legislation in order to ensure that we have the right to be informed about the content and nutritional value of the food we consume.

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