The Truth Exposed by the Netflix Documentary “Poisoned”

The Netflix documentary "Poisoned:
The Dirty Truth About Your Food" exposes the systemic flaws within the U.S. food industry, revealing how our pursuit of efficiency and profit has come at the expense of consumer safety.

The Perils of Modern Food Production
The film, directed by Stephanie Soechtig, takes a deep dive into the dark side of modern food production, highlighting the industrialization of agriculture and its emphasis on maximizing output at the lowest possible cost. This relentless drive for efficiency has led to the rise of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), vast facilities where thousands of animals are crammed together in unsanitary conditions. The overuse of antibiotics in CAFOs has created a breeding ground for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a growing menace to human health.

 

A Broken System of Food Regulation
The documentary also exposes the revolving door between the food industry and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is responsible for regulating food safety. This cozy relationship has allowed industry insiders to influence regulatory decisions, weakening safeguards and putting consumers at risk. The FDA's chronically underfunded and understaffed state further hampers its ability to protect the public from foodborne pathogens effectively.

The Human Cost of Foodborne Illness
The true cost of our flawed food system is measured not just in dollars but also in human lives. Soechtig brings to light the stories of individuals and families who have been devastated by foodborne illness, including the victims of the 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak that left 4 children dead and hundreds more sickened. These tragedies serve as stark reminders of the human cost of a food system that prioritizes profit over safety.

A Call to Action for a Safer Food System
"Poisoned" is not merely a film about foodborne illness; it is a call to action for a fundamental shift in the way we produce food. The documentary urges policymakers to invest in food safety research and enforcement, consumers to make informed food choices, and the industry to adopt sustainable practices that prioritize health over profit.

The time has come to break the cycle of profit-driven food production that puts our health at risk. We must work towards a safer food system that prioritizes the well-being of consumers and the sustainability of our planet.

Documentary’s Recognition
In recognition of its compelling narrative and its contribution to public health awareness, "Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food" has been nominated for several prestigious awards, including the following:

• Environmental Media Association (EMA) Awards: Nominated for Best Documentary Feature in the category of "Food, Agriculture, and Sustainability"
• International Documentary Association (IDA) Awards: Nominated for the Courage Under Fire Award, which honors filmmakers who demonstrate exceptional courage in the pursuit of truth
  

Here at GoHACCP with Experts, we are concerned about the safety of your food, so if you have any questions about food safety practices, we are here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you protect your business and ensure the safety of your food.

Gerardo Fernández, Ph.D.in Biology.
Science Consultant at GoHACCP, dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of food for consumers and manufacturers through scientific expertise and research.