The documentary, Food Inc., argues that the production of today’s food choices are solely profit based, and that there is insufficient government regulation on agriculture. There is little regard to the health and safety of the consumer, or the health and treatment of the animals. The movie is based upon the complete disregard of anything that gets in the way of profit margins. Food Inc. encourages the production and consumption of organic foods that are produced in humane ways. In this documentary, the food industry is given some much needed transparency.
Food Inc. is a disturbing look into the foods that are consumed daily in the U.S. Just as disturbing as the health effects on humans, if not more disturbing, is the treatment of the animals in these mass market farms. The inhumane treatment of these animals is unacceptable. When given proper information, people are able to choose what they put into their bodies. People have rights to humane treatment. The animals on these farms are abused; they are regarded strictly as merchandise, not living things. The documentary itself was an eye-opener into what is actually placed on American tables daily.
The chickens in Food Inc. were crammed into small grow houses, lacking light and humane treatment. The chicken feed is chemically enhanced to form larger chickens, making larger breast pieces. The chickens can barely stand because of their lack of exercise and excess weight. The health effects that an obese person faces are forced upon these chickens. A number of chickens are expected to die, all being part of the process. The cows are corralled, standing in their own manure. Cows are forced to eat corn, a product that they cannot digest properly. Not only is this cruel, it increases the risk of E Coli. It is amazing that these corporations find corn a better choice than grass for these cows.
The foods people eat affect their health. When eating a meal at home, a meal that is made of know products, everyone feels better. Fresh foods increase energy and mood; whereas processed foods leave people feeling tired and hungry. People need to pay more attentions to how they feel after they eat. When eating at a fast food chain, it is typical to feel bloated and nauseous, or notice excess water retention. Eating fast food and processed food is not worth the after-effects. It is a good idea to consider the long term health effects when experiencing the short term effects. It should not be okay to feel bad after eating.
The movie was a reminder of how little people know about what they consume. People are subject to the will of the manufacturer. Greater oversight is needed to ensure the health of our nation. People wonder why health problems are on the rise, and why people are overweight, this movie shows some of those contributing factors. Of course people are responsible for their own health, but knowledge about what they are consuming could help people make informed decisions.
Where food is obtained and how it is created is important. There should not be surprises in regard to the safety of the things we need to live. Non-processed food makes people feel good for the long term. It is better to feel healthy than to consume those comfort foods that cause detrimental long term damage to ones well-being and physical health.