But the problem was, they were using a thermometer that was off by 20 degrees. So they were not killing all the bacteria. And they had no other control points. And the USDA inspector didn’t see that. I mean, it was just stunning to me.Â
What about the argument that food companies are better equipped to regulate themselves because they know their products better than the government ever could?
That’s ridiculous. The only way to ensure that the food supply is safe is for the government to be the enforcer. It’s not going to happen any other way. And if the government is not enforcing, there’s no point in having regulations.Â
Your book also talks about the U.S. dietary guidelines, which have been criticized for being too influenced by industry. What’s your take on how they should be reformed?
They should go back to the food pyramid, for one thing. It was a little easier to understand than MyPlate. MyPlate is a disaster. And they should take off the calorie recommendations. They were put on there as a political compromise with the meat industry. They should be off.Â
But I have no hope whatsoever that the dietary guidelines will be changed. Because there are so many interests involved, and the meat industry is just one of them.Â
So it sounds like you’re pretty pessimistic about the direction the food industry is headed in?
No, I’m not pessimistic. I’m very optimistic. Because there are so many people who are so interested in food now, and so many people who care so much about food. People are the ones who are going to make the change. They’re not going to wait for the government to do it for them.Â
And what about you — do you see your work as contributing to that change?
I hope so. I mean, that’s my hope. I just want to educate people. I just want them to know what’s going on.
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Marion Nestle is a leading nutrition expert, a molecular biologist, and the author of 15 books that critique the ways business interests have manipulated the foods Americans eat. In an interview, she expressed surprise at the public’s interest in her diet, stating, “I just can’t believe people care.” Nestle, who enjoys shredded wheat, is an octogenarian who remains active in the food reform movement.
Nestle’s latest book, “What to Eat Now,” delves into the complexities of the modern food system, highlighting issues such as unsafe meat, disappearing wild fish, and the prevalence of ultra-processed foods. She emphasizes that food choices are not just personal decisions but also have broader implications for society and democracy.
During the interview, Nestle criticized the food industry’s focus on profits at the expense of consumer health and safety. She highlighted the importance of government regulation and enforcement in ensuring food safety, pointing out flaws in the current system. Nestle also called for reforms to the U.S. dietary guidelines, including a return to the food pyramid and the removal of calorie recommendations influenced by industry interests.
Despite her concerns about the food industry and regulatory challenges, Nestle remains optimistic about the potential for change. She believes that informed consumers and grassroots movements will drive improvements in the food system. Through her work and advocacy, Nestle aims to educate people about the issues affecting the food they eat and empower them to demand better from the industry and government. There are many instances in the food industry where shortcuts are taken, leading to potential health risks for consumers. One such incident involved a company that disregarded proper food safety protocols and ended up facing a major listeria contamination issue.
In this particular case, the company took a product out of a sterile environment and moved it to a refrigerated room without proper precautions. Despite concerns about listeria contamination, they assured that they had never encountered any issues before. However, just three weeks later, their negligence caught up with them, and they had to recall a year’s worth of production due to listeria contamination.
This incident sheds light on the lax attitudes towards food safety regulations in the industry. The system, driven by user fees, is often compromised as regulators are incentivized not to offend the companies they are supposed to oversee. This corruption in the food safety system can have serious consequences, as seen in the case of the listeria contamination.
When it comes to protecting oneself from such food safety risks, the best practice is to cook everything thoroughly. Eating raw foods always carries a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to be cautious, especially when dealing with potentially hazardous products.
Another concerning issue in the food industry is the presence of conflicts of interest on dietary guidelines committees. Many experts in the nutrition field have ties to industry funding, which can influence the research questions and interpretations. This conflict of interest undermines the credibility of nutrition research and can lead to biased recommendations.
As the industry evolves, there is a growing trend towards removing artificial additives and preservatives from food products. While this may seem like a positive change, it’s essential to remember that the core issue lies in the nutritional quality of the food itself. Simply removing dyes or preservatives does not address the underlying problem of unhealthy, calorie-dense foods.
Ultimately, the most controversial opinion on food is the simple fact that calories count. Despite the reluctance to acknowledge this truth, the rising rates of obesity and overweight individuals in the US highlight the importance of calorie awareness. By understanding the role of calories in our diets and making informed choices, we can take a step towards improving our overall health and well-being. Calorie counting has been a popular method for many people trying to manage their weight and improve their health. However, it can be a challenging and often inaccurate way to track food intake. Without precise measurements and accurate food labels, it’s difficult to know exactly how many calories you’re consuming. And even small deviations from portion sizes can lead to consuming more calories than intended.
While calories do play a role in understanding the health effects of food, they may not be the most helpful tool for individual people. Instead of focusing on calorie counting, a more practical approach to eating healthfully is to incorporate a serving of fruits or vegetables into every meal. This simple change can help increase nutrient intake, provide essential vitamins and minerals, and promote overall health.
In a world where the food system can be complex and confusing, making small changes like adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can have a significant impact on your health. By prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods and minimizing processed and high-calorie items, you can support your well-being and make positive strides towards a healthier lifestyle. So, instead of getting caught up in the numbers, focus on incorporating more nourishing foods into your daily meals for a sustainable and balanced approach to eating.
