B2 – Upper Intermediate
Nutrition professor Marion Nestle learned that some food companies do things that might not be good for us, such as advertising unhealthy food to children. She also observed that some food scientists, who receive money from these companies, may exhibit bias in their statements.
The professor wanted to let people know about all of this. Marion believes that knowing the truth empowers consumers to make wiser choices regarding food. Consequently, she composed this article to share the details of her work with us.
https://www.bluezones.com/2022/10/the-birth-of-food-politics/
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the idiom “up in arms” mean? “Nutritionists were not up in arms about the products being marketed.” Use this idiom in a sentence.
- What does “lobbying” mean here, “I looked for evidence of lobbying and campaign contributions and ways in which companies protected their business interests.“? Use this word in this context in a sentence.
- What does “beholden” mean? “I did not have to be beholden to funding agencies or private donors.” Give two (2) synonyms and use “beholden” in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- In your opinion, why is it important to know about the food industry’s practices and their impact on our food choices?
- Have you ever noticed any advertisements that promote unhealthy foods, especially to children? How did you feel about them?
- Do you think it’s common for scientists or experts to receive money from companies? How might this influence their work?
- Have you ever been surprised by something you learned about the food industry or the products you eat? What was it?
- In your own words, how can knowing the truth about the food industry help us make better decisions about what we eat?