We rarely listen to the warnings of doctors who talk about the dangers of plastic containers or ultraviolet rays. We began to pay too much attention to others. Each of us strives to give advice to others, but forgets about our own safety.

The truth about baby food

Our mothers and grandmothers did not rely on ready-made purees, cereals and mixtures when it came to feeding their newborns. Now there is a huge variety of baby food on the market, and parents do not need to chop fruits and vegetables or prepare juices for their babies. However Scientific research Research conducted in this area over the years has shown that baby food contains too many dangerous ingredients, from preservatives to pesticides and carcinogens.

Carefully study the composition

When choosing baby food products, there is no point in relying on the manufacturer's brand or the advice of friends. If you have the opportunity (a food processor, a blender and some free time), prepare organic food at home. Your child will not feel the difference, and his health will be safe. But if you do not have the opportunity to prepare puree yourself, then carefully study its composition before purchasing a product.

If you cannot control the production process, you must obtain as much information as possible about the product. Manufacturers go to extreme measures to extend the shelf life of products. That's why they add preservatives to vegetables. Keep in mind that cheaper food may contain other undesirable components, so do not skimp on your baby's health.

Many of us have heard that modern food products for children and adults may contain GMOs. They “heard”, but do not “know”. Surveys conducted in many countries show extremely low awareness of the population about what GMOs are, but at the same time show great wariness towards such products. Therefore, today we will try to understand the problem, based not on information from Internet forums, but on logic and scientific knowledge.

GMOs are organisms (bacteria, plants, animals) obtained (or modified) using genetic engineering. By changing one gene in the body that is responsible for some trait, you can make it resistant to chemicals (most often) and pests, promote longer storage and make the product more valuable in terms of some nutrient (increase the amount of protein, vitamin, lecithin and so on.).

What GMO products do we most often encounter? First of all, these are cotton, soybeans and corn - up to 90% of these crops are grown using genetic technologies, especially in the USA. This method was first used in the 1990s. This approach made it possible to increase the yield tenfold. Genes were introduced into corn and soybeans that increased resistance to pesticides (in particular, to the pesticide Roundup), which made it possible to use many more pesticides - now neither insects nor weeds survive in the field, only GMO plants remain. What happens to them next? They are used to make a huge number of products - from breakfast cereals to baby food, as well as animal feed, where soy protein and corn starch are added.

Harm of GMOs in infant formula

Are GMO plants harmful to humans? This is where the speculation begins. First you need to understand what a gene is. A gene is a specific sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule, a “code” or “cipher” by which a particular protein is built. There are genes in all living cells - in plants, animals, and in you and me. If we eat something made of cells (corn, parsley, meat, etc.), then the genes of these products are not integrated into our genome, and the proteins of these products do not function in our body. We don’t become beets after a plate of borscht! Proteins and DNA are large molecules; they are first digested, broken down into their component amino acids and nucleotides, and only then absorbed. The same thing happens with a modified gene and a protein built according to its “code” - they are not integrated into our body, and we do not begin to be resistant to pesticides. It's a pity! After all, pesticides are dangerous to people. Their use has increased 250-fold since the 1990s. This means that animal feed began to contain several orders of magnitude more toxic substances, and our products - both plant and animal origin - can be contaminated by them. The harm of pesticides is known; they are potential carcinogens, which are associated with a high risk of malignant tumors of various locations.

Another area of ​​genetic engineering activity is the creation of second-generation GMO products, which contain greater quantities of certain important nutrients. First of all, scientists are interested in protein, because it is the most valuable nutrient on the planet. But such products can more often cause allergies, and not because this protein is somehow strange, but simply because the protein causes allergies, and the more of it, the higher the risk of allergies.

We must understand that the purpose of using GMOs is primarily to improve the food situation on the planet, where thousands of people die of hunger every day. The choice “for” or “against” GMOs is in many ways rather an ethical one, since there is no evidence of harm. But today, many companies consciously avoid the use of GMOs in their products, as stated on the packaging. Many mothers also try to give preference to non-GMO baby food exclusively from those manufacturers who guarantee the absence of genetically modified organisms in their products. They argue that the effect of GMOs on the body has not been studied, and it is better to play it safe.

Non-GMO baby food from Valio

According to the legislation of many countries, including Russia, the indication “non-GMO” can be used to label products that contain no more than 0.9% GMOs. Valio goes even further and completely abandons GMOs at all stages of production, avoiding even this fraction of a percent. The company even prohibits the use of cow feed containing genetically modified components: Valio adheres to this principle in all countries where it produces products. Therefore, when you give preference to a particular food product for your baby, it is worth thinking about how it was obtained and what is included in its composition. If this is milk, then you should take into account what animal it came from, what this cow ate.

	Name	Lies, lobby, food
	Subtitle	Who determines what you should eat
	Authors)	Ingrid Reinecke, Petra Torbritz
	Publishing house	Rowohlt Taschenbuchverlag, Rhinebeck
	Edition	1998
	Pages	254, pocket format
	ISBN	3-499-60596-1
	Note	I. Reinecke was a Greenpeace activist, now an employee charitable foundation. Petra Torbritz received the Austrian State Prize for scientific journalism.

Conclusion

The 1998 book discusses serious problems with the overly powerful food industry. Billions of dollars in profits allow multinational companies to arbitrarily determine consumer behavior and political decisions. The book appeared several years before Michael Moss's more in-depth work "".

"Lies, Lobby and Food" talks primarily about the situation in the European Union. The book, supported by facts, contains quite a lot of criticism. Numerous examples reveal the scale of the disaster. The message of the book is clear and well founded: "From finished products to preparing dishes." "Also, if possible, we should choose organic products from local goods." In general, the authors do not demand anything and do not induce anything. They simply point to the facts. They leave us to draw conclusions ourselves.

The chapter “What to do” gives us ideas and advice on how to act independently. Those moments in the policy of the European Union that caused a lot of trouble are highlighted. In addition, at the end of the chapter, the authors give us six ideas for political and individual action. Authors INGRID REINECKE and PETRA TOBRITZ describe a situation that today, 15 years later, has not changed much.

Summary

The images I placed in the text help to somewhat dilute the text and place my own notes. The book does not contain images. The images here are from Wikipedia, made by me, or are in the "Public Domain".

Abolition of agriculture
- Each to their own taste
- From the field to the landfill
- Down with packaged soups and water-based foods
- Dictatorship of the standard
- International piggishness
- Trade and consumers
- Fresh is something that doesn’t make you sick
- Consumer protection as a trade barrier
- Consumer power
Information part

Some chapters contain subtitles of sorts that begin with "or". Each chapter is divided into several topics. In the text I have included numerous references to concepts from Wikipedia (in italics). Wikipedia articles are often biased. They can be written by people on behalf of various representatives of interests; in this case, refutation is often impossible. It also lacks some clearly critical articles: for example, the article on recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBST) or the “hormone scandal”. Some articles were heavily influenced by the establishment described in the book under review. In English-language articles, the general essence is usually reflected more objectively. Links not in italics refer to our articles or are anchors.

Book cover text

"Whoever does not defend himself is mistaken: under this motto, the book informs us about what food and politics have in common, and what must be done against the new lies of the old lobby. What you eat, how you eat, what ultimately ends up on your plate - all this is less a matter of your taste and much more a matter of political or economic interests. Moreover, what ends up on the tables in Germany or Austria, in France or Italy, has long been determined not by national authorities, but by the European Union; and "It must be guided by the laws of the global market. In an era of globalization and concentration of enterprises, this means that very few large enterprises ultimately determine what you put on the table."

General review (not mine)

There are no reviews on Amazon, but on the website Vegetarismus.ch/heft/99-2/lobbies.htm you can find: „After you read this book, you will know why the EU pays subsidies for the transport of animals across Europe. Or why cucumbers are no longer curved (because they must meet European Community/UN FFV-15 quality standards) and why Greek asparagus is half the price. What we eat is a matter of political or economic interests. This book clearly shows the EU's power structure and missing control mechanisms.
You will learn: the EU in its current form is incapable of caring about the welfare of its citizens (much less the welfare of animals). Lobbies and closed commissions determine the course. An example on the topic of mad cow disease: the recordings of one of the commission members, which were leaked to the press, contain the following statements: “We need to hush up this matter by misinforming people!” By the way, this EU official was also responsible for consumer protection...
Along with hydroponically grown products and food irradiation, the topic of “milk rivers” and “meat mountains” is also discussed. About eggs, among other things, it says: In the EU, 300 million “eco eggs” are sold annually, but only 50 million are actually produced. Even according to the roughest estimates, at least one third is declared incorrectly.
A highly recommended book that contains many important contact addresses as well as advice for consumers in the appendix.”

About the authors

Page 255: PETRA TORBRITZ, b. 1954, Doctor of Political Sciences, studied journalism and defended her doctoral dissertation on the topic “Network thinking in journalism.” Works as editor for Natur, Wochenpost and Die Woche; author of television and radio programs. She received the Austrian State Prize for Scientific Journalism and the Darmstädter Schader-Stiftung Prize "for the application of sociological knowledge in practice." Petra Torbritz (German) and her awards are also written about on Wikipedia.

"INGRID RAINECKE, born 1954, worked as a photographer, secretary, and was an activist in Greenpeace. She organized a traveling exhibition from a gene laboratory and is an editor Nord-Süd-Report. The website Anstiftung-Ertomis.de/die-stiftung/team has her photo and contacts.

Book review

Both authors from Germany directly report the negative consequences of EU-dictated agricultural policies. They explain why what ends up on our plates is less a matter of our taste and much more a matter of economic and political interests. (page 10)

"Fewer and fewer companies determine what ends up on the tables of the EU's 370 million citizens. In hardly any other sector of the economy is the process of concentration as intense as in the food industry.", reads the message. As it talks about the USA, this book describes in detail the way transnational companies operate, from seeding to selling the final product in Europe. These companies also determine the pesticides that should be used, the seed stock and, if possible, genetic engineering. It is not quality and health that come first here, but prepared products that are as refined as possible, such as convenience foods, functional foods or new foods. Important statement from 1998 (page 12): "Only four percent of agricultural products in Germany reach the market in their natural form; the remainder disappears into industrial food production machines. The future of food, as food strategists see it, no longer has much in common with nature. Food has been disconnected from the soil and turned into a formless raw mass of proteins, fats and carbohydrates with a variety of designs."

Farmer's sacrifice

The book also examines the problems that industrialized nations create in developing countries. An example of this is how the EU and the US are systematically destroying the livelihoods of small farmers through subsidized supplies.

It is interesting to see to what extent label deception is carried out in trade. The number of such offenses is large, but what about hidden crime? Here we are talking about much more worst violation than just the image of a romantic peasant house on the packaging of eggs from cage batteries for laying hens. Because the latter can be appealed today.

According to Martin Wille, head of the government food control department in North Westphalia, his department in 1994. received an indication of label deception. Random samples in Düsseldorf shops and markets revealed that 24 of the 26 large traders monitored had over-declared more than half of their goods. (page 17)

In the chapter entitled "A subsidized country of milk rivers and jelly banks" We learn how the EU, with the help of subsidies, ensures that food products, regardless of demand, are produced primarily by large enterprises. EEC in 1957 wanted, in fact, to increase farmers’ income per person and at the same time get cheaper food products. Then representatives of Germany, France, Italy and the Benelux countries agreed on the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union (CAP).

We will learn from specific examples why this CAP contributed to a large increase in the number of products produced and cheaper prices. At the same time, the authors explain to us its unnecessary and harmful consequences, which have even increased in recent years. This is partly due to policy blunders. The book highlights the human and environmental consequences of these policies.

In 1950 There were 18 million farmers in the six founding countries of the European Community; in 1994 only 4 million. So, 40 years ago, one hen laid 140 eggs annually. Today, one hen lays over 300 eggs in her short life of 15 months.

Note: In Wikipedia we find two different articles: European Community and European Communities.

Large surpluses have arisen and are emerging, which, with the help of subsidies, enter the world market. The consequence of this is the extinction of farms and the impoverishment of farmers in other countries. On page 24 we read:
"In Africa, for example, highly subsidized deep-frozen beef was thrown onto the market at dumping prices, which put pressure on the local livestock industry, which at the same time received European economic assistance developing countries. Back in 1991 The European Community paid out almost 2,000 million marks in export assistance to sell meat in East Africa for only 50 million marks.".
Please stop for a second to understand the meaning of this statement.

Aid to developing countries is an important topic. Sir Hans Singer showed the deterioration of the trade balance for the periphery countries. US and EU subsidy policies are destroying businesses in developing countries. If after this Africans try by all means to get to Europe, then this topic remains out of consideration. People are fleeing to Europe not only for this reason, but also because with such a subsidy policy we are robbing them of their livelihood. Politics and large firms (marketers and exporters) are engaged in exploitation. As a countermeasure, our society is collecting aid for developing countries. Critics of the conditions we have created in Africa usually name only the sale of raw materials.

The situation is the same in Europe - only 20% of agricultural enterprises received 80% of subsidies. "Large farmers versus small farmers" the next topic sounds. She discusses the plan of EU Commissioner for Agricultural Policy Mansholt, who wanted to liquidate so-called unproductive enterprises. An egg farm with 10,000 laying hens was considered too small and thus unprofitable.

In the end, politicians probably rejected the radical attempt at reform under the Mansholt Plan, but only officially. The political organization simply provided assistance to enterprises over a certain size, and the Minister of Agriculture Joseph Ertl proclaimed the motto "Grow Up or Leave". However, politicians eventually stopped Ertl's program as well. Despite this, the EU has increased the use of mineral fertilizers fivefold to 128 kg per hectare. Subsequently, this amount was reduced to 100 kg. However, new plant varieties, such as short-stemmed cereal varieties, required increased amounts of fungicides and other chemicals to be applied.

Using examples, REINECKE and TOBRITZ show how perverse incentives in Europe lead to massive overproduction. Several years ago in the USA this led to similar negative consequences. Despite this, it lasted for years "Maneuvering between protectionism and free trade" ... "Expenditure on the agricultural policy of the European Community increased sixfold from 1970 to 1986"(page 31)

Thanks to EU subsidies, Europe, for example, exported 42,500 tons of beef in 1996, so cheap that the entire southern African region suffered. Cattle slaughter there has decreased by almost 40%. At the same time, the EU promoted the marketing of beef there as part of an assistance program for developing countries. In this way, the EU optimized the distribution of European intermediary meat and destroyed large parts of local production in Africa. This also affected other economically weak countries.

Morality in European style

This chapter discusses fake documents of origin. In the mid-1990s Bernhard Friedmann, the President of the European Court of Auditors warned that, according to his estimates, fraudsters annually receive more than 10% of the EU budget funds. The subsidy scam is popular because 90% of the EU budget is subsidies, about half of which goes to agriculture. (page 39)

“Here, customs stamps are stolen and falsified, shipping documents and invoices are falsified, false animal health certificates are provided, officials are bribed and goods are declared incorrectly or transshipped at night. While southern countries wine, olive oil and fruit are most readily sold illegally; the north concentrates mainly on the illegal trade in livestock.”(page 39)

We learn that the European Union pays out eight billion ECU (euro) subsidies every year in order to resell the subsidized food products. Interesting saying about this question:
"The President of the European Court of Auditors, Bernhard Friedmann, reports on one case in which 1,000 trucks carrying Polish meat and livestock were traveling to Africa. For several weeks, customs in southern Spain confirmed that the consignments were leaving Europe in accordance with the rules. It has not yet been clarified that that this customs office has not existed for several years."(page 42)

It is also possible that this batch of goods with documents falsified for subsidies returned to Poland for registration. For the most interesting option deception does not need transportation, only relevant documents. Irish delivery example:
"Officially, 10,000 tonnes of beef from EU stockpiles were supposed to be sent to Italy for processing and then, with particularly large subsidies, delivered to the former Soviet Union. But at least 200 tonnes of meat surfaced, raw, on British markets." .(page 43)

The lack of internal borders has given rise to new “transnational cycles of deception.” There is no criminal law that is convenient and common to everyone, which is skillfully used by organized fraudulent networks. Pages 46 and 47 reveal how countries mutually deceive each other with extortion. Only for 1994 the list contains 1,597 cases of uncovered illegal activities. The extent of hidden crime emerges from the text "Loopholes and Information Networks". With the help of the organizations UCLAF, IRENE and PRE-IRENE and the Green Phones, the EU wants to stop fraud. He finally wants to sanction not only people, but also companies.

On page 54 there is one particularly interesting example of live cattle from Eastern Europe. One company exports it to Italy for the purpose of slaughter, in order to transport the meat through Malta again to the East. But everything happens in a completely different way: the company sold low-quality, over-declared meat to Gabon with reimbursement of costs for export. What remains unclear is where the real meat ended up. Illegal reimbursements for exports to Gabon alone amounted to €24 million.

Rotten arguments

Text in chapter "Excess in excess" talks, among other things, about the case of a critical report on the chemical industry being jammed. Movie "Poisoned or Unemployed" media scientist Vernward Wember was forced to wait for two years in the closet with banned films of the channel, until in 1982. The film was still shown on television. (page 56)

Millions of tons of fruits and vegetables were buried in the ground as unsellable surplus. They contaminated the soil and groundwater with their massive rotting process and chemicals. These were whole, undamaged food products.

"In 1995, the European Court of Auditors summed up the economy of waste: In the 1992/1993 budget year, a total of 4.3 million tons of fruit and vegetables were withdrawn from sale. Two percent were used for charitable purposes in hospitals and schools, 14 percent were processed into livestock feed, 24 percent fermented into industrial alcohol. But 60 percent were simply thrown away."

Destruction appears to be cheaper than organizing redistribution, with the potential to earn millions of euros. In the chapter entitled "Tomatoes for pasta and cabbage from a jar" We read, among other things, about how EU-sponsored raw materials leave the juice factory through the back door, only to receive the European blessing again the next day at the supplier's gate. (page 63)

Matters of taste

This chapter explains what negative aspects the trend of "away from one's own stove" has brought to our health.

However, there are no figures for the statistical consequences of the tendency to buy prepared foods. Only those who take a critical approach to health issues can appreciate these consequences. People willingly emphasize high life expectancy. But we owe enormous progress in medicine to her. It more than compensated for an increasingly deteriorating lifestyle regarding nutrition, movement and stress, etc.

Photo from Wikipedia, Junkfood article in Danish.

We are now at a turning point. The younger generation in the United States already has a lower life expectancy than the generation before it. The photo uploader's note shows how well the "bliss point" works: Magnus Manske: "its (sic!) been years since i stopped by for a meal at pinks hot dogs so i decided i needed to come back here. naturally me and megz ordered one of their "super special" hot dogs. all i can is, they were so good that my heart will probably never forgive me, and they"re also quite challenging to eat without getting too messy. i still think my favorite hot dogs in los angeles are from the street vendors who sell them bacon-wrapped hot dogs, apparently the city is cracking down on those vendors though... something to do with health concerns or something to do with permits or some shit like that... not that it would stop me from ordering one if i see a vendor... "

Cooking at home today is the exception, with only 4% of agricultural products reaching the kitchen unprocessed. Not only because of the reduced amount of vitamins, biologically active substances, etc. canned food, deep-frozen dishes and packaged soups pose a problem, but above all because of the substances they contain.

"In distillation machines, raw materials from food products are decomposed into their chemical components and then assembled on conveyor technology into new products generated by the imagination of producers. In this case, not only their natural the nutritional value, to facilitate processing, numerous food additives are also added: thickeners, leavening agents, anti-caking agents, antioxidants, enzymes, flavors, preservatives, alkali, acids, salts and dyes.", write REINECKE and TOBRITZ. (page 73)

Note: although the expression distillation apparatus is used here incorrectly or in a very simplified way, in general the statement is correct.

After that, they explain the problem of flavoring substances (flavors) and name the number 12,000 - this is how many artificial flavoring substances are available on the European market. These and various "technical aids", such as polymers (plastics), are not subject to declaration in the EU.

Note: But plastic, for example, is very harmful to living beings in nature.

REINECKE and TOBRITZ's description of some factory production methods is clear and understandable. In the chapter entitled "Why cook?" We read that even top-class chefs in restaurants and chain hotels choose, for example, from pre-cooked and portion-packed “convenience foods.”

A noble establishment on Hamburg's Alster is putting together a dish "Grilled monkfish and scampi cutlet in a light tomato sauce with fresh sage" from the system components of steakhouse king Eugen Block. The cook just heats it up and prepares it. The industry calls it "Food products with built-in services"(page 77).

The food industry systematically seeks out or creates new trends, such as "ethnic food" or "get fit through food." Of course, she tries to make the most of even the concept " healthly food", along with the already included "functional food". With the help of ready-made products for the sick, babies, small children and athletes, it targets the target groups of interest.

The problem with this is the cheap additives that are added, such as vitamins, minerals, flavoring agents, additives to increase shelf life, etc. Plus unhealthy amounts of vitamin E - "with which the population is already sufficiently provided". Mention is also made of the fact that, for example, too a large number of calcium blocks the absorption of iron, and too much iron blocks the absorption of zinc. (page 83)

Note: This is reminiscent of the principle of optimum instead of maximum, because both “good stuff” and/or important stuff are bad in too much quantity.

The industry in Germany alone uses approximately 2 billion euros annually in so-called nutraceuticals in imitation of medicines - a growing trend (as of 1998).

"The Berlin Federal Institute for Consumer Health and Veterinary Medicine (BgVV) even sees this as a special tactic: "The manufacturer is strenuously trying to market its medicinal products in the form of food additives in order to circumvent expensive to obtain permission to use the medicine."(page 84)

Note: in 2002 politicians disbanded the BgVV. Most of BgVVjoined the (BfR) and the smaller one joined the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL).

In the chapter "Red and Round" we find consideration of attempts to grow integrated products in agriculture. In this case, the EU does not require an indication of the origin and type of product on food packaging. Today, at least minimal guidance is needed, as seen in this link.

Biophysicist and food expert Fritz A. Popp points out, using biophoton measurements as an example, that the energy balance of plants changes when they are grown in greenhouses. Statement on this topic: “Already today, approximately 40 percent of all food products on the market come from the use of genetically engineered enzymes, starches, vitamins and food additives” - cited by authors in 1997. Minister of Economy Gunter Rexrodt. They are also called the following additives: amino acids, vitamins, sweeteners, enzymes and sweeteners, such as glucose or fructose syrup, which are also found in candies, licorice, marmalade or dry cream mixture. (page 95)

In this regard, it should be noted that, for example, xylitol or birch sugar helps very well against caries. Xylitol or birch or tree sugar are trivial names for the stereoisomer (isomerism) of pentanpentaol, alditol, which is also designated as a sweetener (967). Xylitol has a taste and sweetness similar to sucrose. In 1890 Nobel Prize laureate (1902) Hermann Emil Fischer(1852-1919) discovered xylitol as a sweetener. Xylitol is a relatively expensive sweetener, but has a high anti-cariogenic effect, that is, it is effective against dental plaque.For some types of animals such as dogs, cows, goats, rabbits, etc. xylitol is poisonous even at a dose of 0.1 g per gram of body weight, and at a dose of 3-4 g it is fatal. Birch sugar or xylitol along with sorbitol occurs as a natural sugar alcohol in many types of vegetables (among others cauliflower) and fruits (among others plums, strawberries, raspberries), but usually in small quantities relative to the dry weight ( 1 %). See also positively rated substances from stevia.

Genetically modified soybean plants have been around since November 1996. and their beans are found in more than 30,000 foods. To achieve greater economic potential, policymakers have drafted functional food regulations for such genetically modified foods. Mandatory labeling is only required starting from a certain amount of the substance in the product and does not generally apply to food additives such as flavorings and enzymes. “Only five to ten percent of products made using genetic engineering are subject to special labeling and documentation according to regulations.”. (page 100)

In the chapter entitled "Lab Recipes" we find information about surimi. This concept initially means an imitation of crab meat from chopped, cooked fish with the addition of sugar and gelled fish. "They serve as a basis different varieties fish that are processed into fishmeal, oil and imitation in huge factory ships. " But: surimi is often made from imitation fish instead of fish. This was confirmed in 70% of cases by studies carried out in 1994. random samples.

This mass is refreshed with flavors, flavor enhancers and other additives. We even eat this product, for example, under the guise of expensive shrimp, squid, or crab meat. “Protein mass canned by freezing has a long shelf life and, together with flavorings, food additives and flavor enhancers, is integral part sausages, cheese, pizza, soups, pet food, baby food and potato chips."(page 102)

A similar raw material, but isolated from mold fungi, is called quorn.

The following fact has nothing to do with quorn: Japanese chemists developed - largely to demonstrate what could be made - from faeces (i.e. feces) a protein-rich substance that could not be distinguished from beef in texture, smell and taste even a butcher.

Diktat politics

We learn how industry is exploiting the fact that most people in the Western world are saturated or even jaded. We do not eat, or no longer eat, in order to be nourished, but in order to fulfill our desires. Here perception plays a much larger role than content. The race for clients continues. The industry is trying to bring the tastiest creations to market. The fact that behind numerous brands there are a few concerns hidden is called oligopoly.

In 1997 The 10 brands in Germany had a turnover of between DM 3 and 9.3 billion, and the concentration continues further. (page 107)

Wikipedia: In the article on food trading we also find the structure and performance data of the top 10 food dealers with a total turnover of 140 billion euros. At the same time, Edeka-Gruppe’s turnover was number one on this list in 2010. amounted to a good 40 billion in 2011. it was 42.7 billion euros. Aldi, as the largest discounter, had in 2008. 24.5 billion euros turnover. Firms number two: Rewe Group had 25, and Lidl (Schwarz-Gruppe) - 14.7 billion euros in turnover.

REINECKE/TORBRITZ mention Southern Europe, where people eat more fruits and vegetables compared to Northern and Central Europe. In Northern Europe in great demand They use meat, butter, chocolate, muffins and sweet carbonated drinks. These high value added products are promoted through the food industry. This is how great marketing becomes possible.

Note: when telling tales about Mediterranean cuisine, companies even distort the facts. Compare average life expectancy by country! In Switzerland, for example, it is significantly higher than in the Mediterranean countries of Europe, not to mention the Mediterranean coast of Africa.

A peculiar case involving Cassis de Dijon wine is also described. REWE sought the right to supply Crème de Cassis in the European Court of Justice. And this despite the fact that Crème de Cassis is a liqueur, the minimum alcohol content of which is not 32%. The German government sued to ban its import. The court's decision led to the fact that the “principle of mutual recognition” of goods now applies if something is already sold in one EU country. This means that different standards in different countries led to standardization. For food additives alone, 13,000 different statutory regulations had to be harmonized. (p.113)

Thus, Dutch beer could contain a thickener and gelling agent propylene glycol alginate (alginic acid, E 405). The book provides numerous examples of such problems. Just like, for example, the fact that the Red Bull energy drink from Austria can go on sale, but drinks of this kind produced in Germany cannot. First, you should thoroughly check whether substances such as taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), glucuronolactone, niacin (nicotinic acid), etc. are dangerous. (page 116)

Note: To this we can add that wine contains, for example, about 20 mg/l glucuronolactone, and since 2012. Energy drinks can contain a maximum amount of 2.4 mg/l.

From the book we learn that now the consumer in many cases must decide for himself what risks he is willing to take. We find out: German jurisdiction protects behavior "the so-called careless consumer, who is characterized by such qualities as superficiality, limited intelligence, inability to process information, unresponsiveness to information." The European Court considers that “only a consumer who has reached the age of majority, is attentive and, in particular, on the basis of his information interests and his ability to process information, needs protection.” takes into account the information offered to him from information sources, for example, on the product label, and (...) makes a purchasing decision." This formulation is still in effect today. (page 117)

Various examples remind us that certain substances are considered to cause cancer in some countries, but are allowed in other countries, no matter for what reasons. Mutual recognition led, for example, in 1993. to the fact that nectarines and peaches from France could contain 150 times more iprodione residues than is allowed in Germany! After all, it is a fungicide and nematicide. (page 118)

In the chapter entitled “Lobbies and Lies,” REINECKE AND TORBRITZ examine how lobbyists and unions, based on common interests, practice so-called particularism and thus neglect the common good. Finally, in the chapter entitled "European Madness: KGE" they provide explanations of the processes surrounding bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

The authors describe in great detail the entire process associated with CGE and lasting throughout all these years. This topic continues due to erroneous assessments by departments, improper care for animals and cheating actors. Microbiologist Richard Lacey from Leeds in 1990 warned of a fatal brain disease and demanded the forced slaughter of all British livestock. The only thing he achieved was that critics disqualified him as a "crank", an "apostle of doom" and an "extreme leftist".

Only much later, and thus too late, did politicians implement the measures he proposed. For some people the consequences were fatal. Lacey stood in line with Colin Blackmore, a professor of neurophysiology, who accused the British government of consulting experts who "give the answers you want". Dietitian Tim Lang from Thames Valley University spoke about the fatal pitfalls of CGE. (page 132)

Label deception

We probably have no idea what kind of profits can be made in practice thanks to label deception in exports, delays, processing and imports. The reasons for this are also that it is cheaper "to transport live animals for slaughter or removal of bones from meat to Italy than to come to the nearest slaughterhouse". (page 141)

Note: I'm confused by the word "or" in this quote because I assume it should say "and". Animals must not be alive to remove bones from meat.

We learn about the differences between "protected designation of origin" - as a regional protection, "protected geographical indication" - here it is enough to indicate the stage of production and "guaranteed traditional dish" - for "special characteristics". We also learn about the motives behind this. This is followed by examples as for Gouda cheese.

Because These products were already sold, the Greeks could not get protection at first... but the tug of war still protected the names Parma ham, feta and Parmesan. Emmental, Gouda and Tilsiter, on the contrary, received only unprotected species names. See appellation of origin. (page 146)

Meat is mentioned again: in 1988. Each citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany (Germany) consumed on average 15.8 kg of beef. In 1995 consumption level was only 7.9 kg, the trend decreased. Therefore, politics and economics in 1995 planned the development of ready-made dishes with the addition of meat and made it for this in 1996. new meat regulation. For the first time, a regulation on the control of livestock circulation appeared. Despite this, thousands of tons of meat contaminated with the mutagenic substance chloramphenicol went on sale. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

"Every year, 250 million slaughter animals are transported through Europe. Cattle that are imported from another EU country and then spend approximately 30 days in German barns can then be sold further as 'German'."(page 150)

It's logical that effective control however, it is practically impossible for various reasons. For example: “The sausage manufacturer receives not beef half-carcasses, but meat the size of goulash cubes.”

Finally, the issue of BIO labeling is addressed. The industry is successfully resisting it with the help of integrated products (IP). (page 156)

Note: REINECKE and TOBRITZ call this "integrated farming".

Integrated farming does not abandon agrochemicals, but uses them more carefully. This confusion in concepts is economically justified. In addition, politicians have diluted the concept of ecological agriculture: for products to be called ecological, they must be only 70% environmentally friendly.

Bio-organizations eventually introduced their own predicates plus quality assurance, which has strict quality rules. In this regard, for example, the Union of Plant Growers was well known Arbeitsgemeinschaft Ökologischer Landbau(AGÖL), which also included Demeter, Bioland, Naturland and ECO VIN.

However, the concept of “integrated products” is cleverly described there as"nature-friendly and animal-friendly agriculture". From "criticism": "The Nature Conservation Union NABU points out, however, that integrated production, for example in fruit growing, has not resulted in proper management of the environment. Despite the over-distribution of the IP label, the consumption of pesticides for plant protection has increased in many fruit growing areas." Photos on the topic integrated products.

Unfortunately, retailers such as Spar, Tengelmann and Edeka have created their own eco-labels that do not comply with organic standards. The Migros retail chain in Switzerland with the brands "M-Bio" and "M-Sano" is also mentioned. The latter however means "integrated products". On page 159 there is a table comparing the areas and enterprises of 15 countries in 1989 - 1995. The following statement is alarming: “If the will of the commission comes true, the words ‘biological’ and ‘genetically modified’ will no longer be excluded in the future.”

Chain reaction

In this chapter we read about the concentration of power in retailing. The creation of large retail chains poses a danger for transnational corporations, because They produce their own brands more cheaply and thus displace the products of multinational corporations. Companies mentioned, for example, are Metro, Edeka/AV, REWE, Aldi and Tengelmann.

Note: Paradoxically, the suppliers with the most aggressive prices earn the largest profits.

The whole process of such development is well described along with the “policy for placing goods on shelves”. Two quotes to highlight this: "The food industry feels that it is being pressured by the 'dictation of the consumer' in trade. While both major manufacturers - Unilever and Nestlé - have a turnover of seven billion marks in Germany, individual retail chains already have a turnover of over 30 billion. They use their power to secure especially good conditions for themselves, and thus gain additional shares in a stagnant market." ...

"A good place on the shelf of a large retail chain it is expensive. The CPC-Gruppe from Germany, which includes, among others, Pfanni, Knorr and Maizena, according to press reports, paid one retail chain ten million marks to include its mayonnaise in the permanent list of supplied products.

The book hints at the dangers of a market-dominant condition called oligopoly. Here Peter Trautmann, President Federal Union of Food Industry warns: "In the medium term, the consumer will feel negative sides as a result of the loss of a wide range of products, increased prices and a decrease in the number of jobs."(page 166)

The book also describes clashes between small and large companies, for example, on the streets of France. In November 1995 The result of these clashes were 30 wounded, two houses set on fire and cars destroyed.

“The consumer has a “split personality” and behaves illogically, a free time researcher has found Horst W. Opaszowski. He runs miles for a special offer, but has no problem paying several times their cost for fancy new products if, for example, a vanilla-flavored cappuccino costs five times more than traditionally brewed roasted coffee."(page 168)

In the chapter entitled "Eggs, eggs, eggs" REINECKE and TORBRITZ show us what tricks this branch of trade uses. For example, egg containers are retroactively sprinkled with straw to create illusions in consumers. Most of Germany's 44 million laying hens, who must lay 300 eggs in their short 15-month life, suffer in cramped cages.

Note: having indicated 1430 square centimeters, the authors were still mistaken: the area of ​​an A4 sheet is 623.7 square centimeters. Thus, this can be compared to being kept in cages with an area of ​​450 - 550 square centimeters.

The authors make valid and convincing comparisons of how such products with false images of green farms come to market. Based on complaints, the courts were forced to prohibit such deceptive maneuvers. Consumer struggle is justified if it is well organized. However: “300 million organic eggs are sold every year, but only 50 million are laid.”(page 172)

How enormous the scale of label deception is is demonstrated by REINEKE and TOBRITZ using the example of the “chicken baron” Anton Pohlmann, who was subsequently forced to abandon his business due to various scandals.

Further, in the chapter entitled "Kilometer Eaters" The topic of long transportation of products to the train is considered. Gases used to maintain freshness, such as argon, helium, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen, are discussed. The EU has banned them from being listed as packaging gases on the label. They were offered the expression “protective gas,” but the more universal “packed in a protective atmosphere” won.

The book talks about disgusting transportation of animals (transportation of cattle). For example, when transporting from Mecklenburg to Trist, out of 27 bulls, four arrived dead, and three others required forced slaughter.

The pointless subsidy economy makes this possible. "Exactly 10 percent of all animals die during transport, primarily pigs." Although animals are often given sedatives or beta blockers, abnormally high levels of stress hormones have been confirmed in the meat of slaughtered animals. Behind all this is a strong lobby of livestock farmers, livestock traders, exporters and slaughterhouse owners. Even if 28-hour continuous transport (with fans and drinkers) is allowed, random sampling indicates multiple disturbances throughout the day. (page 181)

Bacteria from the assembly line

This chapter explains how terrible epidemics can be. Like, for example, the epidemic of enterohemorrhagic escherichiasis in the summer of 1996. in Japan. Due to industrial production, large quantities of food were quickly contaminated. Thus, in the USA, 20,000 cases of poisoning due to enterohemmoranic escherichiasis are recorded annually, and from 200 to 500 cases result in death. (page 187)

Note: statistics over the years show that the statements in the book are still relevant today:
The consumption of beef and veal developed as follows: in 1950. 9.0 kg, in 1975 15.3 kg, in 1985 15.1 kg (1988 highest level), in 1995 11.4 kg, in 2000 9.6 kg, in 2006 8.2 kg, in 2007 8.5 kg. The newspaper "Fleifood Zeitung" (see fleifood.de) blames the price scissors... rather than new consumer behavior caused by different reasons.

In 2011 The slaughter weight of meat in Germany was approximately 8.2 million tons, i.e. more than in 2007 However, in 2012 carcass weight was reduced again to approximately 8 million tons.

1. International Agreement on Consumer Protection
2. EU as consumer advocate
3. Improved cartel law
4. Democratization of the EU
5. Cancellation of subsidies
6. Improving consumer information

They provide explanations and directions for them, as well as examples.

This is followed by "Six Tips for Individual Action":

1. Trust your taste!
2. Buy as much fresh food as possible and as little prepared food as possible!
3. Don't let yourself be deceived!
4. Discover living food!
5. Buy products that are produced from properly raised animals!
6. Use your powers as a critical consumer!

INGRID REINECKE and PETRA TOBRITZ's argument is not bad: "Political decisions start in the shop around the corner and reach Brussels." The authors also describe an alarming increase in diseases that are clearly the result of poor nutrition.

IN "Information part" on page 225 we find the most important provisions on the loss of vitamins and vital substances during irradiation of food. Irradiation also allows the industry to recirculate already spoiled food into sales channels. Irradiation kills microorganisms and changes fatty acid and proteins even at low doses. The health risks are disputed.

The tables list the dates for obtaining irradiation permits. The first entry dates back to 1969 - to prevent sprouting of potatoes in Spain. Further in the table you can find information about food additives in food and "food products with exceptional authorization", followed by "Chronicle of Mad Cow Disease". (page 238)

The eco label and the meaning of barcodes are explained and demonstrated. Finishes the book "seasonal calendar of fruits and vegetables" and information and addresses of various, primarily political organizations, as well as associations to which we can contact.

Other books on the topic discussed

Eric Schlosser: Fast Food Gesellschaft. Die dunkle Seite von McFood & Co.
Published by Riemann, 2002, 447 pages, 23.90 euros:
"American journalist Eric Schlosser's remarkable investigative report reveals the conditions behind fast food production."

Marc Lappe, Britt Bailey: Machtkampf Biotechnologie. Wem gehören unsere Lebensmittel?
Publisher Gerling Akademie, 2000, 206 pages, 25 euros:
"Multinational chemical companies are envisioning a future in which genetically engineered soybeans, grains, and cotton feed the needs of a growing global population. The 'Biotech Power Struggle' exposes such scenarios as corporate propaganda."

Ilse Mara Berzins: Biokost oder Hightech-Food? Moderne Lebensmittel und gesunde Ernährung.
Consumer Protection Society, 2000, 125 pages, 7.16 euros:
“The Consumer Society's brochure provides facts about functional foods and food design using enzymes, flavors and colors in a concise, clear and well-structured way.”

Ingrid Reinecke and Petra Thorbrietz: Lügen, Lobbies, Lebensmittel. Wer bestimmt, was Sie essen müssen.
Published by Rowohlt, 1998, 254 pages, €8.50:
"The book clearly and competently shows what food and politics have in common."

V olker Angres, Claus-Peter Hutter and Lutz Ribbe: Futter furs Volk. Was die Lebensmittelindustrie uns auftischt.
Published by Droemer, 2001, 397 pages, €8.90:
"Relentless reporting on the food industry, agricultural policy and intensive farming."

Udo Pollmer, Cornelia Hoicke and Hans-Ulrich Grimm: Vorsicht Geschmack. Was ist drin in Lebensmitteln?,
Publisher rororo, 2001, 344 pages, 10.50 euros:
"A food expert explains ingredient confusion on food packaging in a clear, visual manner. Extensive vocabulary explains the uses, origins and tolerance of food additives."

There are also counterexamples under the heading Agrarian changes:

Renate Künast: Classe statt Masse. Die Erde schätzen, den Verbraucher schützen.
Econ Publishing, 2002, 254 pages, 20 euros:
“It’s interesting, personally and anecdotally, that the minister describes the events following his appointment and the rocky road to agrarian change.”

Franz Alt: Agrarwende jetzt. Gesunde Lebensmittel für alle.
Publisher Goldmann, 2001, 186 pages, 8 euros:
"Famous TV presenter Franz Alt makes a moving speech in support of agricultural change - towards future-oriented, sustainable agriculture. For this, according to Alt, the participation of consumers above all is necessary."

Karl Ludwig Schweisfurth: Wenn's um die Wurst geht. Gedanken über die Würde von Mensch und Tier.
Publisher Goldmann, 2001, 313 pages, 9 euros:
"From the Herta meat factory to a committed organic farmer, the autobiography of Karl Ludwig Schweisfurts reveals the motivations behind his change of heart. It is instructive and worth reading."

Hans-Ulrich Grimm: Alles bio oder was? Der schöne Traum vom natürlichen Essen.
Hirzel Publishing, 2002, 200 pages, 22 euros:
"Hans-Ulrich Grimm's meticulous investigation into agriculture and industry reveals not only the deceptive practices of businessmen who want to profit from the bioproducts boom. It also shows which labels can be trusted."

José Lutzenberger and Franz-Theo Gottwald (Hg.): Wege aus der Ernährungskrise.
Campus Publishing, 1999, 258 pages, €19.90:
“Think global, eat local” is the motto of this interesting advocate of shelf-stable food. In the book, renowned authors explain how local food production can help the environment and fight hunger.”

Food products intended for children undergo strict control for the presence of harmful additives. Parents are well aware that taste and smell enhancers, dyes, preservatives, stabilizers and GMOs have no place in baby food.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms of plant or animal origin with properties modified at the genetic level. Every living thing, from the simplest bacterium to a highly organized person, has its own unique DNA material. It “encodes” the characteristics characteristic of each species of the living world, which are passed on from generation to generation for thousands of years.

Small stretches of DNA - genes - are responsible for individual properties. If you remove a gene, the organism will lose this trait, and if you “embed” one or more genes from other organisms, it will acquire new ones - it will become transgenic. This kind of work cannot be done manually. The new gene takes its place in the DNA chain with the help of viruses or plasmids (circular DNA of soil bacteria), which are marked with antibiotics.

Good purposes

The experiments were guided by bold and noble intentions - to obtain plant crops with high yields, resistance to adverse environmental factors and pests, the ability to be transported over long distances and a long shelf life. This would solve the acute problem of hunger among the population of a number of African and Asian countries.

The first successes of genetic engineering were outlined in the 80s of the last century. New plants that underwent genetic modification had high yields even in risky farming areas. They were not afraid of frost, entered the flowering and growth phase early, resisted diseases and pests well, and did not react to excess moisture and drought.

Then specimens were born that did not respond to herbicides. In order to combat pests, vegetable crops were created, the consumption of which caused blocking of functions digestive tract in harmful insects. At the same time, treating the fields from weeds did not affect the plant’s vegetation, and stable harvests from year to year pleased with tasty products.

From bells to alarm

While inspired genetic engineering specialists were developing new plants, farmers were expanding their acreage, and monopolies were getting their hands on planting material, concerned scientists began to study the effects of GMOs on the human body.

In America, Europe and Russia, disjointed and chaotic results were obtained - the first alarm bells that there was no reason for optimism. Fragmentary facts, experimentally confirmed, began to emerge from various laboratories that GMOs pose a danger.

Toxic and allergenic effects

New transgenic proteins that protect plants from pests and diseases are toxic and allergenic substances in half of the cases. For example, GM soybeans “improved” with the Brazil nut gene have affected a large number of people. They experienced severe allergic manifestations.

Some GM varieties of tobacco, tomatoes and corn with high pest resistance produce lignin. As it decomposes, it turns into methanol and phenols - dangerous toxic compounds.

It was revealed that compounds from the group of pesticides in the DNA molecules of transgenic plants not only block the enzymatic activity of the digestive system of pests, but also have a negative effect on the human pancreas.

Carcinogenic and mutagenic properties

Accumulating in plants, pesticides and herbicides are converted into biological active substances with pronounced carcinogenic properties. They can affect the fetus during pregnancy, causing mutations and sometimes death. Glyphosate is used to cultivate genetically modified types of cotton and sugar beets. It belongs to the group of herbicides with pronounced carcinogenic properties, that is, it can lead to the development of malignant tumors.

Circular DNA of soil bacteria, which “populate” new gene to the recipient. The opinion that viruses and plasmids lose their structure when exposed to gastric juice, not everyone shares. And there is a reason for this: unchanged circular DNA can migrate freely in the body and produce a protein that is unusual for humans.

Antibacterial resistance

Antibiotics are used as markers for new genes. And here another problem arises. When they are transferred to pathogenic microorganisms, the latter develop resistance to antibacterial drugs, which threatens ineffective treatment for a number of diseases.

Studies have shown that European residents have more than 80% of pathogenic flora, causing disease respiratory and urinary system, has immunity to this group of drugs.

Reproductive function suppression

The American company Monsanto produces GM corn. It was this product that Austrian scientists filled the diet of mice with by a third. The result was a sensation - from the third litter, the number of cubs born began to decline sharply, and their weight was significantly less than in the control group, which was fed food grown without genetic intervention.

Impact on the ecological environment

The independent international organization Greenpeace loudly demands that all products containing GMOs be excluded from the retail chain. The potential for environmental hazards is a concern.

Treatment of plants with pesticides leads to their large accumulation in the soil. In addition to harmful insects, bees also die. The transfer of pollen to other plants causes the death of some species of butterflies and cross-pollinates ordinary plants. Resistance to herbicides is also transferred to weeds, transferring them to the category of “invincible”.

The situation, according to the public organization, is getting out of control and requires immediate action.

Perhaps the dangers of genetically modified organisms are exaggerated. Many experimental facts require improvements and evidence base. But parents and responsible manufacturers of baby food will not allow children to risk their health. GMOs have no place in products intended for fragile, growing organisms.

Today, many companies producing infant formula, cereals, purees, yoghurts and curds not only describe in detail the composition of the product. When announcing their products, they indicate the place where vegetable and fruit crops are grown, as well as quality control measures taken, from the supply of seeds to cultivation methods. In the production of meat purees, “the animal is traced back to the herd,” that is, it is found out where it grazed and what it was fed on.

At first glance, new mothers and fathers have no reason to worry. But the 2004 trial, which was conducted by the Association of Genetic Security of Russia, has not yet been forgotten. The Nestlé company was brought to justice, in whose baby food the Biocon laboratory discovered transgenic proteins.

What should parents do?

Government organizations are required to control the composition and quality of baby food, but you yourself can avoid unwanted purchases in the supermarket. To do this you need:

• do not buy fruits and vegetables that are sold out of season;
• refuse to purchase “exhibition” specimens - identical in size and shape as from the assembly line, fruits and vegetables with a glossy surface without flaws (spots and holes);
• carefully study the composition, because it is possible that under the “vegetable protein” the dodgy manufacturer hid genetically modified soybeans;
• remember that potatoes, rice, corn, soybeans, tomatoes can, with a high probability, obtain a new trait using genetic engineering, which will then “migrate” to chips, sausages, pastries, cakes, margarine, popcorn, numerous semi-finished products, etc.

It is impossible to determine the presence of GMOs in a food product by taste. This requires multi-stage research. At the first stage, the transgenic protein is detected in the product, at the second it is identified, at the third its quantity in the product (percentage) is determined.

Expensive expertise and insufficient funding do not allow expanding the range of products and the number of tests to identify genetically modified proteins in baby food. We can only rely on the honesty of the manufacturers.

Unfortunately, imported products are increasingly crowding out domestic baby food from the market, although the companies Semper, Nestlé, Valio, Gerber and Friesland Nutrition were blacklisted for containing prohibited components in baby food .

Several generations must pass before an experiment with GMOs, covering the population of the entire planet, receives evidence of harm or its absence. But the countries suffering from hunger did not wait. Many of them have already abandoned products containing genetically modified proteins.