Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health (California Studies in Food and Culture) (Volume 3)

An alarming read for anyone in the healthcare field. Nestles major premise is that eating less would improve health and this is a challenge because this is in direct opposition to the food industries goal of making a profit. Her message is that involvement of the regulatory agencies should be more independent of the food industry. As so many of our chronic illnesses are cause by obesity or influenced by it - she makes a case for why we should all be concerned where we are heading. Particularly chilling are the details about marketing to children. In addition, the marketing tactics were a slight surprise to me as I am a new reader in this area of health policy. Nestle dissects the subtle nuances of the dietary recommendations and explains how the food industry shapes those recommendations. Of course these tactics arent illegal but when the food industry is involved with shaping the recommendations - the ethical issues become clear. Nestle suggest we should be cautious of research because the food industry influences which research gets published and even reframes the findings to be favorable to products. A scholarly read that is approachable as well. I liked the liked that the book because it weaves an interesting narrative in with copious references.

It is a really good book that gives you another perspective of everything around food and industry and how consumers are tricked by companies which only interest is selling without any concern or interest in people's health and well being. The author give us really good approach with her experience and knowledge about the topic using many examples of the industry. I highly recommended it would open your mind to many things you are not aware of and help you be another consumer with more power and smart food choices, who can start being part of the good change.

Great expose on how our food choices and recommendations are influenced by those with motives other than nutrition and health. The author has good inside info on the details of food consortiums and lobbyists. Sad but true, and eye-opening.

We all know that there are many politics behind our food system. However, I wasn't expecting to be this bad. This book really goes deep to show you how the food industry is so responsible for the health problems we have in the US. A little traumatizing (ignorance is a bliss) but I am grateful to learn about it, so I can make some better choices.

This was groundbreaking when it came out in 2013. She remains an expert in the American food industry in a variety of aspects. However, in 2026, I would not recommend reading this book without reading her follow up “What to Eat Now” because so much has changed with ultra processed food. So much has changed with snap benefits, and our creation of food deserts. With all due respect, this book is dated and should not be your only read if you are exploring the subject.

This is a greatly detailed and elaborate expounding upon the massive competition for money via food. Clearly shows why there are so many confusing guidelines as to what to eat. Every food seller magnifies and does everything it can to make its product seem harmless and healthy even if it is known as a carcinogen or bad food. The ONLY people you can trust are those not related to the FDA, USDA, or any food manufacturer whom will bias its "science" for money. Only those not deriving a monetary benefit are worth listening to. Everyone else has a conflict of interest. Investigation of those claiming GMO's are safe reveal they own stock in GMO companies, are promised jobs to lie, or outright bribed to say they are OK. Only the impartial, non-monetary person or scientist should be listened to and even these are threatened and smeared for revealing the truth. Buyer Beware.

Learn how every bit of nutritional advice you've ever gotten from the government (and many other sources) has been driven by politics. Each set of recommendations has been informed by studies paid for by food companies and by the pressure these same companies put on politicians. Going into this book, I already knew much of this history; even so, I learned so many new things. It's a real eye-opener.

I am not finished with the book yet, but it's filled with great information regarding the relationship between government agencies and what is communicated to the public regarding healthy nutrition. I recommend this read for anyone who wants to understand what's behind how hard it is to eat/live healthy without the hype given by companies only in it for the money.

Este es un libro necesario en su momento y totalmente actual hoy. Imprescindible para comprender el contexto mayor de la alimentación y el papel de la industria alimentaria en el escenario nutricional de hoy en día.

This is a very detailed book that gives the history and backstory about the lobbying success of Big Food and the supplement industries and how so many "health claims" are on food and supplements. What is breathtaking is how the supplement industry maneuvered to have almost no regular. Caveat Emptor. Highly recommend.

Professional, authoritative and thoroughly researched. Clearly explains the reasons for the obesity epidemic. Personally, it stopped me eating junk food and snacks and I feel so much better for it. The cynicism, deceit and pure self interest of corporations cries out for strong regulations, but they undermine the law makers and regulators with lobbying and donations. The situation appears to have got worse since this book was written. Well written so easy to read.

Libro che tutti dovrebbero leggere.

Good quality book