The Hundred-Year Lie

April 10, 2006
This provocative and frightening look at the synthetic chemicals used by the processed foods, pharmaceutical and chemical industries delivers an excellent, up-to-date summary of "what is really in our food, water, vitamins, prescription drugs, childhood vaccines, cosmetics, and in our homes." Former Wall Street Journal
investigative journalist Fitzgerald (Mugged by the State
) takes aim at the belief that "lab-created synthetics are as benign as—and more effective than—naturally occurring foods and medicines." The "hundred-year lie" dates from 1906, the year Congress enacted the Pure Food and Drug Act. Utilizing a range of articles from science journals and government reports, along with interviews with scientists and environmentalists, Fitzgerald looks at synthetic chemicals—from artificial sweeteners to antidepressants—that are diminishing our health. Throughout, Fitzgerald explodes various myths such as that one right dose of a particular drug works for everyone and that all food additives have been tested for safety. Still, Fitzgerald's faith in Eastern and other natural healing processes will not convince everyone. The author concludes with practical steps for "choosing a diet of pure foods and a lifestyle free of synthetics."

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"

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.