The food industry relies heavily on corn from "summary" of The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
Corn has become the keystone of the modern food industry. It is the primary ingredient in a vast number of processed foods, from soda to salad dressing to hamburgers. The food industry relies on corn not only for its versatility but also for its cheapness. Corn is abundant and inexpensive, thanks in part to government subsidies that encourage its production. Corn has infiltrated the food industry in more ways than one might expect. For example, corn is used to feed the animals that end up on our plates. Cows, pigs, and chickens are all fed corn in enormous quantities, despite the fact that their digestive systems are not designed to process it. This practice has become the norm because corn is a cheap and efficient way to fatten up livestock quickly. In addition to feeding animals, corn is also used to create a wide range of additives and sweeteners that are found in processed foods. High-fructose corn syrup, for example, is a ubiquitous sweetener that is added to countless products on supermarket shelves. Corn-based additives like citric acid and xanthan gum are also commonly used in processed foods to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life. The reliance on corn in the food industry has far-reaching consequences, both for our health and for the environment. The overproduction of corn has led to monoculture farming practices that deplete the soil and require heavy pesticide and fertilizer use. This not only harms the environment but also contributes to health problems in humans, as the chemicals used in corn production can end up in our food.- The dominance of corn in the food industry is a complex and multifaceted issue that raises important questions about the sustainability and ethics of our current food system. By understanding the extent to which corn permeates our food supply, we can begin to make more informed choices about what we eat and how it is produced.
