Food for thought over our convenience diet

SOMEWHERE last week, I read about someone shocked that she’d been eating ersatz cheese on her pizzas – why should this be news to anyone?

TV programme Food Unwrapped has revealed many such instances, and if you consume many ready 
prepared foods, what can you expect?

In the short term, apparently nothing except the results of addiction, eg weight gain and indigestion, in the long term, more severe illnesses and calls on the health services.

Traditional dishes have to be adapted to make them fit the machinery that can produce in bulk and at high speeds, with preservatives of many kinds to make them last longer.

It may be that each E number is harmless alone, but when there are dozens together, the mix may become less safe.

The numerous packets of so-called meat products bear little resemblance to the basic ingredient; the massaging of meat and addition of water are not for goodness but the convenience of the manufacturer.

And witness the ubiquitous sliced loaf. Read Andrew Whitley’s book about it and you’ll be astonished at the manipulations involved in its production.