Michael Moss is the investigative reporter who authored “The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food”, published in the New York Times on February 20, 2013. The author has written this article to uncover the role of the largest food producers and how it correlates with the declining health of our society. Moss establishes his credibility by attending meetings and interviewing more than 300 people in or formerly employed by these companies. From CEOs, to scientists, to marketers—the information uncovered was shocking and noteworthy. After his four years of research, he found the companies’ deliberate efforts to make food addictive by adding more sugar, salt, fat, which are found to be addictive to the brain. Even after attending a seminar in which some of the top executives admit their food to be unhealthy, he found the companies to be most concerned with the bottom line—money. Many executives who have attempted to make positive changes within companies do not work for those corporations anymore (thus being the “whistle blowers” in the article).
Society is vulnerable in many ways to the deception and manipulation of the largest food corporations as they produce most of the pre-packaged, convenient food which is inexpensive and to some, irresistible. Consider all the companies involved: Coca Cola, Kraft, Pillsbury, Nestle, General Mills, Procter and Gamble, Mars, Nabisco and yes…Philip Morris, who has acquired some of the top companies. Their objective is to make their food as cheap as possible yet making the flavors so delicious that they become addictive. Our brains are wired to desire more sugar, salt, fat, and other additives such as MSG. The companies have even marketed their products as “healthier”,“less sugar”, “less fat”, etc. but in the end, it is just junk food with no nutritional value. Yet we continue to buy it because it is convenient and tastes good; all the while, become more obese and unhealthier. Our children are being marketed to in such deceptive ways, and we give into their desires—only to be putting their health at risk. Even the daughter of Bob Drane, vice-president of Oscar Meyer admits she doesn’t feed Lunchables to her children, knowing how unhealthy they are.
There are many reasons why we continue to purchase these products. People are often misinformed as to the toxicity of processed foods. It can feel like an insurmountable issue, in some ways, since it seems we are at the mercy of the food industry. Not everyone has time to cook, thus the short cuts offered at the grocery store are an easier, more convenient alternative. Parents often buy processed foods to appease their children, as they are subjected to an enormous amount of targeted marketing. Some people may have an “ignorance is bliss” mentality, and continue to consume what tastes great without concern.
While the actions of the big food conglomerates appears to be almost criminal in nature, unfortunately we share in the responsibility of what is flying off the shelves. We continue to desire the taste, convenience, and affordability of this mediocre food. All the while, the food corporations become wealthier.
