Michael Pollan is an award-winning journalist, a prolific author, a professor at the University of California Berkeley, and a fierce and tireless advocate for sustainable living. An internationally renowned speaker, …
Everyone has an opinion about Joel Salatin. At talks, he whips crowds into a frenzy. His critique of “the industrial food system” – and his practical demonstration of successful alternatives …
Essay: The poor are treated like criminals
Via Chuck Abbott (@chuckabbot1) “Who are these people, and what makes them think that what we eat is their business?” So writes Jeanine Grant Lister in an essay appearing …
International research project: diets worldwide may be worsening
A group of international researchers evaluating data from more than 320 self-reported diet surveys completed between 1990 and 2010 has concluded that while people are eating more healthy foods, their …
Nutrition’s role in cancer prevention is complex
We are bombarded with messages about “super foods” and the role that they may play in cancer prevention. The problem, according to an article from the Washington Post, is that …
“Dead zones” impact baby oysters
Nutrient pollution is impacting young oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay. A newly released study from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center indicates that “dead zones” – low oxygen areas – …
After nearly 40 years, cholesterol may bow out of dietary guidelines
The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a group that vets the science behind the nation’s Dietary Guidelines, has determined that cholesterol no longer needs to be considered a “nutrient of concern.” …
Food system reform is an issue of national security
A recent Washington Post op-ed penned by Mark Bittman, Michael Pollan, Ricardo Salvador and Olivier De Schutter spoke eloquently of the need for a national food policy. It was an …
Sugar and fat consumption by nation
The Washington Post has published an interesting piece breaking down sugar and fat consumption by nation. The data was gleaned from Euromonitor, a market research firm. The U.S. tops the …
UC Food Observer chooses a handful of important stories for you to read as you finish your work week. On the menu, in no particular order: animal welfare; a student …