Site Launched To Tell ‘Real’ Story Of U.S. Food System
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Pork Producers Council today joined other food and agriculture associations in launching a Web site dedicated to telling the real story of the U.S. food system.“We have the safest, most abundant, most affordable food in the world,” said NPPC President Joy Philippi, a pork producer from Bruning, Neb. “And the U.S. pork industry is proud of the role it plays in offering the public quality, healthful products and proud that we are good employers, good neighbors, good stewards of the environment and good care-givers to our animals.”
The new Web site was set up to counter Chew on This, Eric Schlosser’s latest book critical of food production and processing. Aimed at middle school students, the follow-up to Fast Food Nation offers sensationalized misinformation about the U.S. food system.
“We welcome open dialogue about our food system,” said Janet Riley of the American Meat Institute. “There are important issues worthy of discussion. However, some of the information contained in this book is inaccurate and misleading, and Americans should know the facts so they can form their own opinions.”
To provide those facts, the groups set up BestFoodNation.com. The site contains current, factual information about the positive contributions delivered by the food system as well as stories about some of the millions of men and women who make up Best Food Nation. Visitors to the site can learn about efforts that directly benefit the public, including the various healthful and balanced food choices offered by restaurants and food product manufacturers, the creation of millions of good jobs offering competitive wages, the practice of good animal welfare and environmental stewardship by our nation’s farmers and ranchers and the numerous benefits local communities derive from the food and agriculture industries.
The 18 organizations supporting Best Food Nation include: American Farm Bureau Federation, American Meat Institute, Corn Refiners Association, Food Products Association, International Franchise Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Council of Chain Restaurants, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council, National Potato Council, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation, National Turkey Federation, Snack Food Association, U.S. Potato Board and United Egg Producers.
Source: National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) - 8th May 2006