Fast Food Nation - Book Report/Review Example

? Fast Food Nation This paper intends to review the book “Fast Food Nation” of Eric Schlosser portraying the information accuracy, objectivity of the author and the credible sources that have been used while conducting the research. While reviewing the book, it can be apparently observed that the fast-food products impose unfavorable impact on the health of the people at large, raising the chances of having obesity within an individual. Introduction Fast-Food is a term which signifies a particular range of food items that are usually prepared as well as served quickly. This sort of food item is quite popular throughout the globe. However, the popularity of this kind of food item is immense in the region of the United States which is further incomparable with other nations. In this regard, with the intention to comprehend the fast-food industry of the United States, renowned author Eric Schlosser wrote the book “Fast Food Nation” which deals with the interception of fast food industry in America along with emphasizing determining the mechanisms of fast-food industry in the US. In this regard, fast-food chain was first seen in America in the 20th century which was established for the purpose of satisfying the needs of the consumers, especially in terms of time consumption. Since the food item takes less time to get prepared, it further enables people to expend less time in cooking or waiting for food in different outlets (Watson, 2008; Schlosser, 2002). Accuracy of Information The accuracy of the information provided in the book can be determined from the fact that Schlosser conducted a broader based on fast-food industry in order to attain a comprehensive understanding about the subject matter. He visited various fast food restaurants, slaughterhouses, farms and other factories in order to obtain accurate information regarding the quality of fast-food products. Furthermore, he also visited different fast-food chains and closely examined their kitchens and the people working there as a part of his primary research. Through his research, Schlosser identified that people in America were quickly moving towards obesity and other diseases after having fast-food products. In order to acquire a better understanding in this regard, Schlosser spoke with various advertising executives, nutritional experts and also went overseas for determining the functioning or the mechanisms used by fast-food industry (Schlosser, 2002; Mifflin, 2001). The book “Fast Food Nation” provides valuable information regarding the popularity of the fast-food products in America especially amid the populaces of both the kids and the youths. The reasons for the popularity of fast-food products in the region can be viewed to be taste and speedy delivery. However, research of Schlosser illustrated that Hamburger, French Fries and other items listed in fast-food menu often use raw materials that possess certain chemicals mixed within the products. This fact is evidential as several people have been diagnosed with food poisoning after having fast- food items in McDonald’s. Furthermore, Schlosser pointed out that the Americans spend billions every year on consuming fast foods, which is greater than the amounts spend on education and purchasing computers or new cars. However, one vital aspect which could not be ignored is the impact of fast-food industry on the economy of America. It is noticeable that nearly 90% of jobs in America are provided by the fast- food industry (Schlosser, 2002; Mifflin, 2001). Hence, considering the in-depth and widen nature of the research of Schlosser, the information provided in the book can be duly considered as a quite accurate and a reliable one by a certain extent. Author Objectivity The objective of the author of the book i.e. of “Fast Food Nation” was to present the world about the impact of fast foods on the health of the people through analyzing the conditions prevailing in the US. With regard to determine the objectives of the author concerning the book, it can be apparently observed that the nutritional value of the foods served at the fast food centers result in the augmentation of obesity among people. Furthermore, the author also identified that a huge amount is spend on consuming fast foods which is quite more than the amount spend in education or purchasing any product such as computers in the nation. Additionally, the objective of the author can be determined by illustrating the notion that certain harmful chemicals are being mixed with raw materials of fast-food items which eventually affects the health of people at large. However, apart from the negative impact of fast foods, the research of Schlosser also identified that fast food industry develops the economy of the US in terms of offering maximum job opportunities to millions of people residing in the country (Schlosser, 2002). Use of Credible Sources During the research of Schlosser, the author preferred to visit reputed food outlets in order to obtain a complete and a clear understanding about fast industry and its impact. In his book, he demonstrated the impact of fast food on the eating habits and the health of the people in America. The information relating to the above discussed aspects was mainly gathered through evaluating various fast food centers, wherein Schlosser himself visited those sites and interviewed the people working there. The data that gathered by Schlosser while conducting the research, revealed the impact of fast food items on the health of the people. This can be justified with reference to the case of McDonald’s, wherein people found to be diagnosed with food poisoning after having its fast-food items. Apart from this, Schlosser also visited various centers that provide raw materials to fast-food chains. There he observed that various chemicals are mixed with the same to enhance the duration of preservation of the products (Schlosser, 2002). Hence, considering all the valuable information that has been presented above and the approach of Schlosser in conducting the research, the sources considered by him for conducting the research can be duly regarded as a reliable and a credible one by a larger extent. Conclusion From the overall analysis of the book, certain comprehensive understanding can be gained regarding the impacts of fast-food products on the health of the people with context to the scenario of America as an example. It has been noted that people open experiences with the disease of obesity while consuming fast-food products. Additionally, cases of food poisoning owing to the consumption of fast-food products are also an evident scenario that can be apparently viewed while analyzing the book of Schlosser named “Fast Food Nation”. References Mifflin, H. (2001). Fast food nation: the dark side of the all-American meal. Retrieved from http://www-personal.umich.edu/~lormand/agenda/0111/books.htm Schlosser, E. (2002). Fast food nation. Retrieved from http://jhampton.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/51769044/Fast%20Food%20Nation.pdf Watson, S. (2008). Fast food. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group. Read More