Food, Inc. is an evaluation of the costs and consequences of the food that we eat everyday.  It is also about the changes that have occurred in our food supply, most since the mid twentieth century.  Some are good some are bad but all have had serious consequences for both the consumer and the producer.  Cattle for example spend their last six months of life in densely populated animal cities referred to as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs).  During this time they are kept in filthy conditions and fed a diet of corn, animal byproducts from places like chicken factories.  These conditions encourage the growth ecoli bacteria which in turn necessitates the use of antibiotics.

Unfortunately for us these bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics  putting people downstream in the food chain at increasing risk of food poisoning.  CAFOs are like massive petri dishes.  This story is even more disturbing when the film tells us of  the simple measure that feed yards could take to reduce the occurrence of ecol i in these systems but refuse to in the interest of streamlining.

The film goes on to explain the ramifications for farmers and consumers.  There are consequences for all.  Farmers face increased financial burdens and a loss of autonomy while consumers face the threat of an infected food supply and a diet artificially loaded with bad calories that threatens our well being.  The film also showcases the exploitation of illegal migrant labor which companies like Smithfield rely on to staff their facilities.

The beneficiaries are massive multinational corporations like Monsanto which controls 90% of the soybean crop produced in the United States through its patented seeds which Monsanto defends ferociously.

I was particularly happy with the segment about Monsanto and their genetically altered soybeans.  Often times when people make the case against genetically modified crops they do so out of baseless paranoia.  Food, Inc. shows why you should really be afraid.

It may sound like Food, Inc is based on shock value.  This was my number one concern before I watched this documentary and I can safely say that it is not the case.  It has plenty of leg to stand on and makes a strong case for itself.  It takes a broad look at a serious issue and does in a thorough and thoughtful manner.

At the very least it makes for a good history lesson.  My worst criticism is that it leaves out any discussion of the dairy industry which has undergone massive changes in just the past decade.

Food, Inc. is a definite must see.  The information contained by this film is stuff everyone can benefit from.  I also recomend Michael Pollan’s excellent books The Omnivore’s Dilema and The Botany of Desire (also available as a documentary) as companions to this film.