The taboo dinner table conversation reinvented: the politics of food. What you eat, where your food comes from, and its legality are all essential to know to live holistically. Despite the necessity of this information, it is widely misunderstood by many consumers. Don’t starve yourself of knowledge; read on and learn all about the politics of food from yours truly at Source Market Miami! 

The Basics 

Politics tend to be viewed as very black and white; however, in reality, things are rarely that cut and dry, and that is especially true when it comes to the food industry. Whether or not a food is healthy or if a company is ethical is dependent on many factors. Federal and state policy plays a vital role in the politics of food, specifically production, and distribution. Government agencies regulate the sourcing, processing, and preparation of foods, as well as oversee the storage and shipping methods to ensure public safety standards. 

FDA

The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, is “responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.” The FDA is viewed by the general populace as a trustworthy source as it is led by the commissioner of food and drugs, a role appointed by the president with Senate approval and typically held by a medical doctor. 

All humans, in one way or another, are patients. You either spend your life preventing illness or spend it recovering. A well-balanced diet combined with mental and physical exercise help to keep illnesses at bay and set us up for success. However, for the past thirty-five-plus years, patients have suffered from a largely hidden epidemic of side effects that are the direct result of the drugs and foods consumed that are FDA-approved. In some cases, your doctor may not know best. Hence, it is crucial to do your own research in a similar manner as you would preparing to participate in an election or any other form of political activism. 

What You Can Do 

Be a smart consumer. Read product labels, inquire about the sourcing of your produce and follow proper washing and preparation guidelines to avoid chemical and pesticide consumption. 

About Source

Source offers a selection of the highest-quality produce, goods and more sourced local, organic, ethical, sustainable and as regenerative as possible. We are committed to sustainable practices for an invested connected community, in an authentic space that will endure.