Long-awaited, since news of its release echoed from across the pond, Food Inc. is today released in the UK. It’s only shown in select cinemas though, and primarily in the next week (perhaps not Valentine’s date material, however!). You can find out more and see which cinemas are showing it on the official website – www.foodincmovie.com.
The film is uncovering how America’s food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations, at the detriment of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, poor treatment of workers and the environment.
Interestingly, in reaction to the abundance of negative publicity, a selection of the offending American producers have set up a counter-strike website… “We are proud of our safe, affordable and abundant products and we aren’t afraid to stand up and say so.” www.safefoodinc.org
We’ve booked our tickets already…hope you get to see it too, and we’d love to know your thoughts.
The press have been discussing the film, with commentators urging that we take notice so that the same is not repeated in the UK:
Sunday Times – Why Food Inc should make us all retch – written by Charles Clover, whose book was adapted as a film last year, “The End of the Line”.
Telegraph – The Kitchen Thinker: corn-fed cows
Telegraph – Film exposes unsavoury side of the US food industry - written back when the film was released in America last year.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
10 Feb 2010 at 17:11
Not only are Media trying to rule America but now the food industry is on the same path.
For God Americans WAKE UPI! before it’s to late
16 Feb 2010 at 13:46
Dear Abel and Cole and all,
I saw Food Inc at the cinema last night and just had to email to say how fantastic it is and that this should be compulsory viewing! I really recommend it – it doesn’t preach, just outlines the facts and gives some suggestions about what you can do (vote with every meal, buy local, in season and organic) – and you really can make a difference. I’ve been interested in sustainable food for many years, and involved in the environment sector for many more, but this film, and a book by Felicity Lawrence (‘Not on the label’) have really empowered me to make changes, not just for environmental benefits but also from a health point of view. There are plenty of other reasons to make the changes also outlined in the film and Felicity’s book, but despite my long term interest in the organic movement, and having my own allotment, I have often considered a full organic shop for weekly food etc too expensive. Since discovering Abel and Cole, and the quality of the produce, I’ve changed my mind and recommend you to everyone. The interesting thing is that so many people feel so disempowered and unable to ‘fight the system’ without realising how much power they as an individual consumer have – we really can make a difference! Thank you Abel and Cole for providing an alternative and I look forward to seeing what others make of the film.
PS Bought Sarah’s delicious Cocoa Loco truffles for my boyfriend for Valentines and they are delicious!
16 Feb 2010 at 18:22
Wasn’t it great, Katie! We couldn’t agree more…it was very powerful and informative, though not the most cheerful film we’ve watched on a Monday evening before! The power that those handful of companies have over American food production, the disregard of animal welfare, and the washing of meat in ammonia are just some of the things that come to mind as shocking us. Glad you could see it. If anyone else wants to but can’t get to the cinema in time then it is already available on DVD.
17 Feb 2010 at 09:41
I saw the film on Monday night and agree with all the comments above. The overwelming message to me was the huge American corporates who seemed to “give resources/builidngs/soy bean seeds” and then completely control the supply chain treat those people who trusted these corporates to support and they crushed and destroyed them. Try saying Monsanto without wanting to hit them!
The film really brought home the lack of governance/corporate responsiblity for the food chain.
How science/technical advancement brings solutions to problems – such as washing meat in ammonia and clorine – to mask the problem of hygiene in food production areas. But had no-body thought what problems traces of clorine and ammonia will have to human consumption?
I would like to think such corruption/lack of integrity would ever pervade the UK, did you see how many ex directors left their respective organisations to join US government lobbying committees? Truly shocking.
But globalisation is and will compromise our values.
The only true way to control you and your families health is to eliminate heavily processed food, investigate where your food is from and how it is produced.
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