Document Essay On Fast Food

Documented Essay on Consumption
Nutrition is an important part of human existence. In the U.S., the food industry is a crucial sector of the economy because it directly affects every citizen. Food culture and consumption in America has changed drastically over the last hundred years. This is due to technology advancements and the increased participation of large firms in the food industry.
Fast food and processed food have recorded the largest growth in profit and sale over the last fifty years (Rubin 430). Leading voices in the food industry have had different views on the dynamics of contemporary food consumption. Michael Pollan believes that the western diet is harmful to an individual’s health and should be replaced. On the other hand,

American culture’s most iconic cuisine is fast food and is the largest fast food industry in the world .The fast food industry employs close to five million people and feeds over fifty million people a day (Lalor 70). It is successful because of the low cost and high returns associated with fast food. However, there have been ethical concerns over the unhealthy nature of such foods. Over the years, Americans have preferred to cook less and consume more packaged or fast food. This has led to firms putting billions into target advertising to promote their products. Billions of dollars have also been spent on Surname 2 lobbying at different levels of government to receive more favorable laws and regulations. In
America, diet and consumption are largely dictated by an individual’s income. This has resulted in a large section of the population unable to afford healthy food and having to settle for fast and processed food which is a cheaper alternative (Moss 60).
An important argument in American food culture was presented by Michael Pollan.
He emphasizes the need to escape the western diet and its diverse negative impact on

Labels on Packages are also deliberately labeled inappropriately to confuse customers. Fast foods on the other hand are low cost and involve easy to prepare meals. The high use of fat in cooking, preservatives and chemicals used in the storage of this food makes it unhealthy. Frequent consumption of fast food leads to numerous health issues in both adults and children. Studies clearly support Michael Pollan’s claim that the western diet is unhealthy with processed food and fast food being the main culprits.
Mary Maxfield argues that we should trust our bodies and minds when making dietary decisions. The argument is misleading and dangerous to consumers. This is because large corporations spend large amounts of money on consumer psychology research and understand the weaknesses of consumers. Advertisements and claims made by producers easily seduce and manipulate consumers into using their products (Moss 65). For instance the beverage industry in the last fifty years was able to shift consumers from consuming bottled water to energy drinks after physical exercise. Even though water is scientifically superior to Surname 3 energy drinks when it comes to rehydration, firms were still able to use advertising to change
public