A list of resources that may be used in the topic of Contemporary Diet and Nutrition discussions. Topics addressed in this document include: GMOs, animal cruelty, and the fast food industry.

1. The following link was chosen because the content is presented in question and answer
form—the answer form showing both sides of the GMO argument, which is important to know
both sides. There are a total of seven questions addressed, all of which I feel are frequently
asked questions, and will provide enough information for the reader to make an informed
decision as to what side they want to lean towards. At the end of the article, a list of resources
and additional information is provided, which I think is especially nice for someone new to the
subject to peruse.
American Radio Works. (2015). GM crops: The argument pro and con. Retrieved from
http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/gmos_india/pro_con.html
Animal cruelty is another hot topic when talking about the food industry. Some have
grown to accept that animal cruelty is the “norm” and essentially, the price that is paid (at the
animal’s expense) for cheap meat. Of course, finding resources examining the negatives of
factory farming is easy; however, finding a resource that explains benefits is a little bit harder.
Therefore, because my intention is to present information so that others may form their own
opinion, I had to “dig a little deeper” in order to find such references. Organizations such as
PETA and the ASPCA of course despise factory farming and the associated practices. Such
links with information and disturbing videos can be found below. Many of us have seen
demonstrations from these organizations on the news over the years, and they have a strong
following. As for a resource that is “gutsy” enough to outline the pros of factory farming, I feel
that the Asia Pacific Economics Blog Organization does a good job. Unfortunately, the main
pros are pertaining to financial gain and convenience for humans.
Asia Pacific Economics Blog. (2014). Factory farming pros and cons. Retrieved from
http://apecsec.org/factory-farming-pros-and-cons/
ASPCA. (2015). Fight cruelty. Farm animal cruelty. Retrieved from
https://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/farm-animal-cruelty
PETA. (2015). People for the ethical treatment of animals. Factory farming: Misery for
animals. Retrieved from http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/factory-
farming/
How many of us have ever eaten at a fast food restaurant? Most of us will raise our hand
in answer to this question. But have you ever considered the mass effect of eating a simple
burger off the dollar menu? The fast food industry has been credited with not only changing the
way Americans eat, but also the American workforce, the landscape (in town and in the country),
the economy, and our culture as a whole. Have you ever considered how the fast food industry
has even changed the world within the global economy? Eric Schlosser’s book “Fast Food
Nation: What the All-American Meal is doing to the World” is an extremely researched expose
of the fast food industry. Additionally, what is nice about this book is that it does not only focus
on the bad side of the business—he explores the pros as well. You will learn about the financial

2. and franchising side, the environmental side and its effects, how meat and plant products are
acquired for menu choices, and even how the toy in the kids meal came to be. “Fast Food
Nation” has also been made into a movie. Critics have called it “a fair and even-handed critique
of the way we eat and its consequences.” Providing information from both sides of the argument
is my intention, so that you can make your own choices, and even perhaps take action in some
way in the future.
The Foodies. (2013). Fast food nation by Eric Schlosser. Retrieved from
http://www.thefoodies.org/resource/76/369/Fast-Food-Nation-by-Eric-Schlosser.html
If you want to purchase this book for your own reference, it can be found on Amazon.com.
Amazon. (2015). Fast food nation: The dark side of the all-American meal. Retrieved from
http://www.amazon.com/Fast-Food-Nation-Dark-All-American/dp/0547750331
If you would like to watch the movie, you may view it from the following link.
Put Locker. (2006). Watch fast food nation-version 1. Retrieved from http://putlocker.is/watch-
fast-food-nation-online-free-putlocker.html