It is not that I feel the human race should be restricted the freedom to eat the chemically altered birthday cakes, but that we need a more trustworthy source to tell us what the label means—and what it means exactly. Otherwise, we are being lied to simply by omission. These omissions are costing billions of dollars in our health care as well as killing millions of people worldwide!
Are we currently made aware of the value of the unwholesome harmful substances the FDA does allow in our food products? Do you even know how many calories a day you should be eating in order to prevent weight gain? Do you even know what the right amount of protein, carbohydrates and fat are in a healthy diet? Well, not when you read food labels, but you do know that Marshmallow delight instant oatmeal will set you up to help you fight heart disease, though I am sure the American Diabetes Association would take issue with that claim.
Maybe Americans don't want to know what is good for them and what is not good for them. Ignorance is bliss, but bypass surgery leaves one wishing the classic "If I only knew then what I know now!"
Article comments
1 - Ruvy
Maureen,
It is a commandment in Jewish law that "if a blessing comes into your hand, you must do it immediately".
Having just read this article, and realizing how you highlighted this very topic earlier, I have to congratulate you on a job very well done....
Would only that we had someone like that in Israel!
Shabbat Shalom,
Ruvy
2 - Maureen Jeanson
Thank you Ruvy! I thought I needed to direct my points on the first article since so many people want to horde their Twinkies under their bed for fear of losing freedom to over indulge.
3 - Jordan Richardson
Well done, Maureen. Incidentally, they've banned trans fats up here in Canada too. For some reason there was no uproar over it...
nutrition labels are nothing more than a marketing technique.
Bingo.
4 - Jordan Richardson
Also, a somewhat sideways point:
I happened to catch a cool documentary called "The Disappearing Male." You can watch it online here.
It's from the CBC and it talks about how there's a toxic threat to the male reproductive system and how there have been more cases of deformity, low sperm count, and testicular cancer in males than ever before. It discusses "hormone mimicking" or "endocrine disrupting" chemicals found in shampoo, meat and dairy products, and elsewhere and how they're impacting our genes.
Very interesting stuff. If you've got about 45 minutes to spare, I recommend it.
5 - Silas Kain
As someone who is intimately aware of the cold chain process in our food delivery system, I am appalled at how lacking the United States is in comparison to Europe. Kudos to the author of this piece. We can only hope that more "Americans" will get on the bandwagon and start demanding some accountability from Congress. The agricultural lobbyists have controlled our collective diets for far too long. And that is evidenced by the obesity of so many members of Congress whether physically or by the size of the wad of cash in their wallets.
6 - Cindy
I have no idea what this article is about. Sorry author...you could be anyone. I just saw Silas, whom I adore. Hi there Silas. :-)
7 - Cindy
Gay or straight they're all the same. They are male and I adore them. Too bad I am parked behind the ketchup at the moment. :-)
8 - Silas Kain
Cindy! How are you? And we both share that sentiment â€" males, we adore them.
9 - Cindy
Ha! I am fine. So good to see your happy...um letters. :-)
Indeed, males are so very cool. I love them, I live with them, I adore them. Next to women you guys are like the best thing ever created.
smooch :-)
10 - Christine
Good info Maureen
It’s interesting that man (woman) can go to the moon, cure many diseases, and accomplish other extraordinary feats, but when man alters food from its natural state, he (she) usually ruins it.
More ironic (or pathetic) is the fact that we make food that causes cancer and then we try to develop drugs that cure it! And where is the FDA in all this? Probably in the back pocket of the food and drug companies.
11 - roger nowosielski
I don't see why it should puzzle you, Christine. For altering the food has mostly to do with adultering it. And the reason is profit.