Open Journal Systems

How politics influences the food industry

Emily Rae Fritch

Abstract

In this review of the webinar How Politics and Policies Affect Our Food, the food industry is explored and connected to political influences. I look at the policies that are in place that not only affect what foods we have access to, but also how much consumers have to pay for those foods. I delve into the plight of vegetarians and vegans and their access to affordable fresh produce. How much influence does the government have, and are their policies aimed at a healthier America? Or, are they pushing us towards an overprocessed-food way of life?

Keywords

Health Management; Food Health; Politics in Food

References

Lemerond T, Baranowski M. How Politics and Policies Affect our Food presented by Michael Baranowski, PhD. YouTube. 2018. Accessed March 19, 2026. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHlK3cH7sSQ.

Economic Impact of Trade Agreements. United States International Trade Commission. 2021. Accessed December 1, 2025. www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub5161.pdf .

Food price outlook - summary findings. Food Price Outlook - Summary Findings | Economic Research Service. 2025. Accessed December 1, 2025. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings.

Micronutrient facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2025. Accessed December 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/features/micronutrient-facts.html.

Ohio Food Regulations. Federal Register: Ohio Food Regulations. 2025. Accessed December 1, 2025. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-205?toc=1.

Smith-Spangler C. Correction: Are organic foods safer or healthier than conventional alternatives? Annals of Internal Medicine. 2012;157(9):680. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-157-9-201211060-00026

Food Safety Modernization Act . Food and Drug Administration. 2020. Accessed December 1, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/media/125884/download .

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