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REVIEW
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Aug. 4, 2023
Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food
Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food is a thought-provoking and meticulously researched documentary that delves into the alarming issue of deadly foodborne illnesses in the United States. By: Syahmi Zulqarnain
Story: Through revealing interviews with experts and victim's families, this documentary examines the problem of deadly foodborne illnesses in the United States.
Length: The documentary-drama has a runtime of 1 hour and 23 mins.
Cast: The film is directed by Stephanie Soechtig and written by Jeff Benedict. Kristin Lazure and Ross M. Dinerstein are on board as the producers.
Review: The documentary presents a series of food poisoning scandals that have occurred in recent years, offering a comprehensive view of the problem from various perspectives. Through interviews with food lawyers, politicians, regulators, scientists, parents of victims, and representatives from the implicated businesses, the film delivers an emotional and harrowing account of the devastating consequences of lax food safety measures.
One of the key takeaways is the complexity and shortcomings of the regulatory framework governing food safety. The overlapping jurisdictions of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) create confusion and hinder effective regulation. Additionally, the film exposes the influence of lobbyists in maintaining weak regulations, leaving consumers vulnerable to dangerous food practices.
The documentary reaches its emotional peak during an interview with Stephanie, a survivor of E. coli poisoning. Her personal account serves as a stark reminder that food poisoning is not a fleeting inconvenience but can have long-lasting and life-altering effects.
With thorough investigative reporting, the filmmakers manage to secure interviews with high-ranking officials, including the Deputy Under Secretary of the USDA and the Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response from the FDA. They conduct their own tests for salmonella on chicken and even expose disturbing practices within the regulatory body through an anonymous USDA interviewee.
Although the film presents distressing information, its primary goal is not to instil fear but to empower viewers to take action. By providing practical tips for safer food handling and encouraging public pressure on legislators to enact better regulations, the documentary aims to spark a collective effort against powerful food corporations.
Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food is an eye-opening and compelling documentary that leaves a lasting impact. Its well-structured narrative, powerful interviews, and in-depth research make it a highly informative watch for audiences both within and outside the USA. By shining a light on the urgent need for improved food safety measures, this film serves as a crucial reminder that ensuring the well-being of consumers should be the top priority for the food industry and regulatory bodies alike.
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