Originally published June 18, 2009 at 2:33 PM | Page modified June 18, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Comments (1)
E-mail article
Print view
Share
Movie review
'Food, Inc.': A film that may take away your appetite
Robert Kenner's film documentary informs viewers of alarming flaws in our food-safety system, and offers suggestions on how to remedy them. Authors Eric Schlosser ("Fast Food Nation") and Michael Pollan ("The Omnivore's Dilemma") contributed to the film, reviewed by Michael Upchurch.
Seattle Times arts writer
"Food, Inc." a documentary with Eric Schlosser and Michael Pollan. Directed by Robert Kenner. 93 minutes. Rated PG for some thematic material and disturbing images. Egyptian.
Latest from our new movies blog
Popcorn & Prejudice: A Movie Blog
As P & P slips away for a few weeks, let's talk Oscar hosts NEW - 10/26, 04:11 PM
Monday morning "Mad Men": Gypsies and hobos NEW - 10/26, 09:42 AM
Early on in this documentary about the industrialization of food-production comes a statement with more implications than at first are apparent: "The industry doesn't want you to know the truth about where your food comes from — because if you knew, you might not want to eat it."
In other words, "Food, Inc." isn't just about food. It's about suppressed information.
Producer-director Robert Kenner, with input from authors Eric Schlosser ("Fast Food Nation") and Michael Pollan ("The Omnivore's Dilemma"), tries to lift the veil. The result is an alarming film that tackles food and freedom-of-speech issues on many fronts.
It highlights legal restrictions imposed in the 1990s on public discussion of food safety (the so-called "veggie libel laws"). It examines the ramifications of patenting genetically engineered seeds (including patentees' use of lawsuits to pressure independent farmers into jumping aboard the corporate bandwagon).
It exposes conflicts of interest between big-time U.S. producers of food and those who are supposed to regulate them (too often the same people, the filmmakers contend).
The changes to our agricultural system, Kenner points out, have been widespread and rapid. Among statistics he cites: While the top five beef packers controlled 25 percent of the market in the 1970s, now the top four control 80 percent; and where the Food and Drug Administration made 50,000 food-safety inspections in 1972, it made only 9,164 in 2006.
Factory farms and changes in animals' feeding regimes, it seems clear, have contributed to rising cases of E. coli and salmonella.
No food companies present their point of view. But that's not the filmmaker's fault. None would talk to Kenner — although soybean producer Monsanto has posted its take on one case he investigates, on its Web site.
In most of these David-and-Goliath stories, Goliath is pummeling David big time. Kenner illuminates a few bright spots and makes some useful suggestions. But the film's revelations remain mighty sobering.
Michael Upchurch: mupchurch@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
Dining Deals: Late-night Pike Street Fish Fry expands its hours
UPDATE - 09:42 AM
Deja vu: Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target in DVD price war
NEW - 10:16 AM
Movie review: 'The Box': A stylish, intriguing mess from 'Donnie Darko' director
Movie review: 'A Christmas Carol': 3-D adaptation is faithful to the spirit of the 1843 original
Movie review: 'An Education' you won't forget

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman
- Heavy snow in Cascades shuts down roads
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- Consortium on verge of owning Eastside railway land
- UCLA game thread
940 - Weapons, bomb-making materials found in suspect's apartment
334 - Troubling portrait emerges of Fort Hood suspect
292 - Decision day for health care in the House
200 - McGinn widens lead over Mallahan in Seattle mayoral race
183 - U.S. House passes health plan
175 - Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
112 - Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
99 - Referendum 71 show's Washington's strategy for marriage equality is working
85 - Grading the game
55
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Consortium on verge of owning Eastside railway land
- Guest columnist | Cut the South Carolina jokes, Seattle. Get ready to compete
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Danny Westneat | Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor
- Movie review | 'An Education' you won't forget
- Do It in a Day | Spend a cozy, homey day in Edmonds
- Practical Mac | With new features, Apple's MobileMe is worth the price
- 10 ways to take control of your health











