The Politics of Food Guides

After reading the Politics of Food Guides by Daniel Swartz, I now have new insights about how politics have really played a role in the evolution of Canada’s Food Guides. “For 70 years, the issuing of government food guides in Canada has been about more than just nutrition and health”(Swartz, 1). As the article states, government food guides have never been purely about the concern for the health of Canadians, due to political influences. It is disappointing to know that the government values our health, less than I thought they would have. It simply isn’t fair to give false, or partially true information to the public, especially on behalf of the government, which people would expect to be a reliable source.

With all of the health concerns today, I find it upsetting that the source by which some Canadians rely on to live a healthy lifestyle through nutrition, is heavily impacted by politicians who are solely concerned for the wellbeing of their businesses. “The Grocery Products manufacturing Council found it disturbing “that ‘extras’ continue to be presented negatively and inappropriately, creating a good/bad food scenario ””(Swartz, 5). I find it very disappointing that manufacturing councils, were disturbed that the food guide included the negative effects of their products, and would rather people buy their products without knowing the consequences. As previously stated, I find it very displeasing that someone would put the prosperity of their occupation, before the health and safety of others.

This will affect my overall compliance to follow Canada’s Food Guide recommendations because I now know that the guide is not fully truthful with regards to recommended daily adequate food portions, and do not feel as obligated to make a conscious effort to follow it. I’d rather eat what I feel is the right portion size for me, rather than follow this vague, bias food guide.

Link to “The Politics of Food Guides”: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/the-politics-of-food-guides-1.1268575