The End of Food

June 1, 2006
Read in tandem, these two exposé s, which urge readers to take a stand against the food and pharmaceutical industries, offer a look into the changing nutritional content of and toxic buildups within our food. In "The End of Food", organic farmer and investigative science journalist Pawlick compiles research conducted outside of North America that focuses on the modified and reduced nutritional value of food. The North American diet of greenhouse fruits and vegetables is, he writes, nutritionally poisonous. Pawlick does not see the end of the healthy North American as inevitable -a final chapter contains an annotated bibliography on gardening and small farms, sustainable agriculture, and exposé s in the agricultural industry as well as a list of organizations and citizens - groups.

Whereas Pawlick focuses on the nutritional content missing from our food, investigative journalist Fitzgerald addresses the toxic chemicals building up in our food, water, and environment. In 1906, Congress enacted the Pure Foods and Drugs Act. From that day forward, U.S. citizens have trusted that all foods and medicine would be closely monitored for safety. At the centennial of this act (ergo, Fitzgerald -s -hundred-year lie -), readers continue to be bombarded with a cavalcade of chemicals introduced into the environment as by-products of scientific/industrial improvements on nature. Fitzgerald dismantles many misconceptions ( -Myths We Cherish -) and offers readers practical solutions for making their lives healthier, including an entire chapter on self-detoxification. Capped with a comprehensive bibliography, Fitzgerald -s book is a thought-provoking text. Public libraries with strong collections in consumer health, nutrition, and environmental concerns would benefit from having both of these well-crafted books." -Rachel M. Minkin, Graduate Theological Union Lib., Berkeley, CA"

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