B2 – Upper Intermediate
Having a healthy and balanced diet is an important part of living a robust life. However, the definitions of “good” and “bad” food are constantly changing. This is not only because the technology used to measure the healthiness of food has improved. Different sectors of the food industry continuously seek to promote their own products while criticizing foods that do not align with their interests. And the influence of the food industry does not end with biased research; it extends all the way to the highest levels of government and the law itself.
To find out more, watch the video below.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to rag on someone/something” mean? “I hate to rag on avocado, but they have a powerful board, and they fund an incredible amount of research.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
- What does “blanketed nutrition space” mean? “And big food has blanketed nutrition space with so much money, it’s created a bunch of fun secondary problems.” Use this expression in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
- What does “amuse-bouche” mean? “The industry-funded studies, the conflict of interest that’s all kind of amuse-bouche for where the industry’s real influence lies.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
Discussion Questions:
- How might corporate interests conflict with public health goals?
- Do you think nutrition advice based on research funded by large companies is reliable? Explain your stance.
- Are you also confused by the nutrition advice you have heard over time? Give examples of when this has occurred.
- How can marketing strategies shape people’s perception of “healthy” and “unhealthy” foods? Do you think “health food” labels are always reliable? Why or why not?
- Do you believe food companies are always honest in their health claims? Why or why not?
- How can people protect themselves from misleading food marketing?