Food fight over controversial film Food, Inc.

The latest in a series of documentaries slating the United States’ big industries, Food, Inc. by producer/director Robert Kenner takes a look at the cheap and unhealthy production of agricultural products. Supporting the documentary is Stella McCartney and her famous friends who supported her at the Curzon Mayfair where she hosted the UK premiere of the documentary. Guests included Mary McCartney, Thandie Newton, Richard E. Grant and Vivienne Westwood.

The documentary examines large-scale agricultural food production industries in the United States showing how the production of both meat and vegetables is not only unhealthy and environmentally harmful, but also unsustainable. The first segments looks at the production of chicken, beef and pork labeling it as inhumane, while the production of grains and vegetables, the focus of the second segment, is considered unsustainable. In the final segment, Kenner draws attention to the large corps. use of petroleum-based chemicals (for fertilizer and pesticides) to produce cheap yet contaminated food, promoting unhealthy eating habits of Americans.

The film received much criticism, even though producers gave those slated in the film, such as Monsanto Company, Tyson Foods and Perdue Farms (including others), a chance for an on-screen rebuttal, they declined. They did however create a website: the SafeFoodInc.org to rebut the arguments made against them in the film. Corps. bosses criticised the film for its “one-size-fits-all” answers to the problem of feeding and nourishing 6 billion people across the globe.

The film has, though, with its criticism, received high ratings from critics labeling it as “sobering”, “concluding” and “terrifying”. Stella McCartney referred to Food, Inc. as the most incredible film she’s seen. “Everyone should see it,” said the English fashion designer. “Once you've seen this film, you'll be educated to know how to make responsible decisions about what you buy. 

After the event, a panel discussion with Eric Schlosser (author of Fast Food Nation), Soil Association Director Patrick Holden, Kenner and Gary Hirshberg (Chairman of Stonyfield Farm), joined the debate regarding fast and cheap food.