Reports: Food

Industrial animal production, the practice of confining thousands of cows, hogs, chickens or other animals in tightly packed facilities has become the dominant method of meat production in the United States. This report, which accompanies Food & Water Watch‚ online map of factory farm animal production, explains the forces that have driven the growth of factory farms, as well as the environmental, public health, and economic consequences of the rise of this type of animal production.

Not all BioFuels are Equal – Rising oil prices, energy security, and global warming concerns have all contributed to the current hype over biofuels. This report reviews the most up to date scientific evidence and concludes that corn-based ethanol is not the silver bullet everyone is seeking. (Full Report)

Whether you buy food at a grocery store, a farmers market or a cafeteria, the next farm bill will affect what you eat. Congress is debating the policies that shape thequality and sustainability of our food, who grows and processes it, and how. The 2007/2008
farm legislation also will determine who can afford to buy food and where. “The Farm Bill: Food Policy in an Era of Corporate Power” discusses food policy in an era of corporate power.

This report documents the extent of agribusiness’ influence over the USDA, on issues ranging from mad cow disease to genetically modified foods.

Four corporations control 66 percent of the U.S. hog market, as of 2007. At the top of this list is Smithfield Foods, which slaughters 27 million hogs every year, making it the biggest hog producer and processor in the United States and world,wide. For Smithfield, this means sales of $11 billion a year, but for farmers, consumers, workers, and the environment, this concentration in agriculture has been anything but a success story.

The disturbing truth about the World Health Organization’s endorsement of food irradiation. Food & Water Watch is reproducing this report with Public Citizen‚ permission.

A history of research into the safety of irradiated foods. Food & Water Watch is reproducing this report with Public Citizen‚ permission.

Scientists question the safety of irradiated ground beef. Food & Water Watch is reproducing this report with Public Citizen‚ permission.

This report details how the FDA legalized – and continues to legalize – food irradiation without testing for its safety.

This report examines USDA’s Salmonella testing program for ground beef.