Wednesday, April 11, 2012

What are Eric Schlosser critiques on health issues in his book Fast Food Nation?

In his book, Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser puts forward several critiques of the fast food industry. At least three of these critiques focus on health issues associated with the food.


First, Schlosser contends that much of the beef contained in fast food comes from slaughterhouses. Underpaid, undereducated, low income individuals and immigrants often work in these slaughterhouses. In some instances, the workers may not be trained properly in preventing the spread of illnesses, such as e.Coli. Moreover, the working conditions in the slaughterhouses is detrimental to the health of the employees who work there.


Second, Schlosser asserts that the quality of food in fast food establishments is poor. He notes that food additives are placed in fries to make them more addictive to customers. According to Schlosser, additives are placed in strawberry shakes to give the shakes the strawberry flavor. He asserts that fruit is not part of the strawberry shake. 


Third, Schlosser argues that the fast food industry markets its unhealthy menus to children. He suggests that fast food establishments target children and encourage unhealthy eating behaviors.  Schlosser advocates for the end of food marketing to children. 

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