THE FUTURE OF FOOD

"The Future of Food" is an excellent documentary that I had the pleasure of seeing at The Brattle Theater back in October 2005. I now own the DVD. I highly recommend it and now viewing it is even easier; no DVD player or TV necessary. And no trip to the video store. But alas, you must have a computer and a good internet connection. Oh, and a subscription to Netflix is also in order! Thankfully, "The Future of Food" is available as a "Watch Now" option on Netflix. You can view it online, using your computer. As Netflix subscribers know, regardless of your plan, you now have unlimited access to watch as many movies on your computer, without awaiting for the DVD and without paying any additional fees. Why is "The Future of Food" so powerful? I have many reasons and most important is this: knowledge. Americans are very disconnected from their food. Convenience foods, pre-packaged and highly processed foods have unfortunately become the norm in the modern American lifestyle. People don't know where their food comes from and many of us accept this, when in fact, we should actually be very alarmed by it. If we don't know where our food comes from, how it is made and what it is, is it really safe and healthy to eat? If you're accustomed to reading food labels, surely you've seen ingredients and wondered what exactly they are; especially the plethora of chemical ingredients that are unfamiliar to the average person that are now so prevalent. And if you're not reading food labels? Start now. If you have a chronic condition, food allergies or sensitivities or digestive issues, you definitely need to read labels carefully so you can better manage your symptoms and to be in control of your health.

"The Future of Food" focuses on what is being done to our food supply, not just in America, but across the world. This affects not only our health, but also our global economy and of course, our natural environment. Essentially, it impacts EVERYTHING. One of the biggest threats (if not THE biggest) is Genetically Modified Organisms, known as GMOs. In America, GMOs are prevalent in our food supply. However, most Americans don't realize that, because it is not indicated on our food labels and it is rarely talked about by mainstream media. This lack of disclosure furthers the problem. Unlike the European Union and many other places, the FDA doesn't require labeling. In fact, they'd rather keep it mum. If you eat foods made by Kraft, General Mills , Hunt's, Betty Crocker, Kellogg's, Hershey's, Nestle, Coca Cola, Conagra, McCain, Lean Cuisine or thousands of others, you are consuming GMOs. Due to GMOs, most of the world's food supply is being controlled by only a few corporate conglomerates. This domination is not a good thing either.

For the health of yourself, your family and this planet, I urge you to get educated about food and a good place to start is the GMOs.

For an excellent brochure explaining GMOs and for an impressive, comprehensive Shopper's Guide, which details which foods do and don't contain GMOs, please CLICK HERE

For "The Future of Food" documentary website, please CLICK HERE

For further reading about GMOs, check out "Seeds of Deception" by Jeffrey Smith and "Stolen Harvest" by Vandana Shiva. There are many books regarding GMOs and these are two good ones to start with.

Interested in lobbying to get the FDA to listen to American's concerns about their food and truth-in-labeling? There are many organizations that can help you. Below, are two links to get you started:

THE CAMPAIGN
THE CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY

And finally, don't forget to log on to your Netflix account and queue up "The Future of Food".