Food, Inc. Discussion Guide - TakePart

One of the issues of regulation pointed out by the film is that regulatory agenciesand the industry often hire employees from the same pool. Since governmentregulators need people knowledgeable about the industry, they may hire formerindustry executives; since the industry needs people knowledgeable aboutregulation, they may hire former regulators. Reasonable and impartial regulationis possible under these circumstances, but it can be challenging for regulators toremain objective when they may know people in the industry.The film portrays the food industry as intentionally drawing a “veil” to keeppeople in the dark about their food and how it is produced. Some would arguethat keeping certain information from consumers is necessary for the smoothfunctioning of our food system, which is so vital to all of us. They might say thatcompanies should be able to guard valuable trade secrets; minimize unnecessaryfear in consumers, which could create panic; and keep costs down by blockingfrivolous lawsuits. However, others would argue that the “veil” does more thanprotect the food system—it protects companies at the expense of consumers.They might say that short-term profit is valued over health, safety, and theenvironment, which are also necessary for a sustainable food system.O p e n e rBefore showing this film chapter, pose the following to students: Some of us havefoods we don’t particularly care for, but many of us have foods or ingredients weare truly afraid of. Consider what kinds of foods or ingredients are you afraid toeat and why. Ask volunteers to share their responses.S o c r at i c D i s c u s s i o nF o c u s Q u e s t i o nShould a company have the power to decide what information to giveconsumers about the food it produces?8 1F o o d , I n c . D I S C U S S I O N G U I D E© P a r t i c i p a n t M e d i a