Adolescents myths and issues?

What are some myths and realities about  the food industry?

• animal suffering, environmental issues, economical issues, health issues, etc.

• Answer:

  Animal Suffering: Myth - any meat processing facility is a torturous hell hole Reality - Yes, meat processing has to involve killing an animal, there is no way around this, however practices have been and are being developed to make this process as humane as possible (however this humanity is not always practiced by the people themselves - caveat) , for a great example look up Pig Processing and Temple Grandin Environmental Issues: Myth - The Food Industry is the most environmentally unfriendly place and the worst source of food waste and packaging Reality - The highest percent of food waste actually comes from consumers, throwing away out of date food or just not finishing the meal. The Food Industry (Each company is different however) as many incentives and programs to promote greener practices, water reusing programs, off-cut donation, etc. Economical Issues: Might need more clarification for this answer, however here is my best shot. Many people are complaining about the processing of food, calling it "cheap chemicals", however these meals fulfill a need. Many of the poorer people in this world cannot afford the foods the powerfully vocal middle class can afford, therefore organic, everything-free products are not within their price range. These 'value' products often contain wholesome, but cheaper versions of the same foods found in more premium meals, e.g. breast meat vs rib meat. Health Issues: Myth: All Processed Foods are Unhealthy Reality: Some foods need to be processed, and processing is a very broad term, Food has been processed for years, whether discovered by accident or not. Food Processing increases shelf-life and allows for the global pallet we now enjoy. Hundreds of years ago, our diets would be much more limited to both local and seasonal foods, because many foods would not survive transport. Other Info: Just a couple other things I would like to mention. Much news as gone on about the 'yoga-mat' chemical in our food, e.g. Subway Sandwiches, this needs some comment. Many things have multiple applications. Water is sued in the processing and making of many inedible, highly plasticated products. Doesn't mean it is not fit for consumption as well. "If you can't pronounce it, don't eat it" - Tris-(9-octadecenoyl) trigyceryl mixed esters, sounds scary right? No. This is Olive Oil. Rather than consumers avoiding what they can't pronounce, consumer's that are concerned should educate themselves, if you aren't sure about an item, write the ingredient down and look it up before buying.  If you really dont like what you see, don't buy the product, companies listen to consumer's lack of spending.