Food, Inc Movie Quiz

1.

Since the early days of the meat industry, how has agribusiness modified animals?

A.

Today, animals are more sickly and diseased than they once were.
B.

Animals such as cows can get diseases like E. Coli.
C.

Farmers raise animals to be fatter and larger than they would be naturally.
D.

Agribusiness has made animals healthier and less prone to diseases due to genetic modification.
E.

In the early days of the meat industry, animals were healthier as well as skinnier.

Correct Answer
C. Farmers raise animals to be fatter and larger than they would be naturally.

Explanation
Agribusiness has modified animals by raising them to be fatter and larger than they would be naturally. This is done through selective breeding and other practices to increase the size and weight of animals for meat production. This modification has led to animals being more prone to health issues and diseases like E. Coli. In the early days of the meat industry, animals were healthier and skinnier, suggesting that the modification by agribusiness has resulted in animals being less healthy compared to their natural state.

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1

2.

The FDA is heavily involved in stopping food corporations that distribute diseased meat to the public.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
The statement is false because the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is primarily responsible for ensuring the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices in the United States. While they do play a role in regulating the meat industry, the primary agency responsible for inspecting and regulating meat and poultry products is the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), specifically the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Therefore, it is incorrect to say that the FDA is heavily involved in stopping food corporations that distribute diseased meat to the public.

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3.

What food company has patented many genetically modified seeds, such as soybeans, and sues farmers if they use other seeds?

A.

Kevin's Law
B.

Purdue
C.

Cargill
D.

Monsanto
E.

Roundup-Ready

Correct Answer
D. Monsanto

Explanation
Monsanto is the correct answer because they are a food company that has patented genetically modified seeds, including soybeans, and they have a history of suing farmers who use other seeds. This practice has been controversial and has led to legal battles and debates about the ethics of patenting seeds and the impact on farmers.

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4.

Which of the following (may be more than 1 answer) are negative environmental effects of today's meat industry?

A.

E. Coli can be found not only in meat, but also in fruit products like spinach and apple juice.
B.

Pollution from factories is "toxifying" the air and water.
C.

The food industry uses a lot of petroleum, which uses up a lot of fossil fuels.
D.

Pesticides and chemicals run off into water, which pollutes it.
E.

The meat industry is using up too much land, causing lack of prime agricultural land.

Correct Answer(s)
B. Pollution from factories is "toxifying" the air and water.
C. The food industry uses a lot of petroleum, which uses up a lot of fossil fuels.
D. Pesticides and chemicals run off into water, which pollutes it.

Explanation
The given answer options highlight negative environmental effects of today's meat industry. Pollution from factories is "toxifying" the air and water, indicating that the emissions and waste generated by meat industry factories are causing pollution. The food industry's high usage of petroleum contributes to the depletion of fossil fuels, which are non-renewable resources. Pesticides and chemicals used in meat production can run off into water sources, leading to water pollution. These factors collectively demonstrate the negative environmental impacts associated with the meat industry.

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5.

In a natural environment, cows will eat grass. However, the meat industry is feeding them corn. What effect does this have on the cows? (May be more than 1 answer)

A.

Cows grow fatter, faster.
B.

Cows have shortened lifespans.
C.

Cows suffer from illnesses such as salmonella because their systems can't digest the corn.
D.

Cows get a strain of antibiotic-resistant E. Coli from the corn.
E.

Cows become resistant to antibiotics, so if they get a disease, they cannot be cured.

Correct Answer(s)
A. Cows grow fatter, faster.
B. Cows have shortened lifespans.
D. Cows get a strain of antibiotic-resistant E. Coli from the corn.

Explanation
Feeding cows corn instead of their natural diet of grass has several negative effects on the cows. Firstly, it causes the cows to grow fatter at a faster rate. This is because corn is high in calories and promotes weight gain in cows. Secondly, the cows have shortened lifespans due to the unnatural diet. Corn-based diets can lead to health issues such as liver abscesses and metabolic disorders, which ultimately reduce the lifespan of the cows. Lastly, feeding cows corn can result in them contracting a strain of antibiotic-resistant E. Coli. This is because corn-based diets often contain antibiotics, which can promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the cows.

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6.

What organization helps the government handle the process of food regulation?

A.

NAFTA (North American Farmers' Trade Association)
B.

FDA (Food and Drug Association)
C.

IRRI (International Rice Research Institute)
D.

USDA (US Department of Agriculture)
E.

Choice B and D
F.

None of the above. The government relies on policing within the company.

Correct Answer
F. None of the above. The government relies on policing within the company.

7.

Which of the following is NOT an effect of agribusiness on small farmers?

A.

Farmers are allowed to experiment with different types of seeds to report their findings back to the companies.
B.

Farmers are in debt because the food companies force them to upgrade when they don't have the money.
C.

Small farmers are out of business because a few large companies control the industry.
D.

Farmers face pressure to raise animals in enclosed, dark environments that can hold more animals.
E.

None of the above. All of them are effects of agribusiness.

Correct Answer
A. Farmers are allowed to experiment with different types of seeds to report their findings back to the companies.

Explanation
The given correct answer states that farmers are allowed to experiment with different types of seeds to report their findings back to the companies. This implies that agribusiness does not restrict farmers' freedom to experiment and share their findings. However, the other options mention negative effects of agribusiness on small farmers, such as being in debt, going out of business due to industry control by large companies, and facing pressure to raise animals in enclosed environments. Therefore, the correct answer is the option that does not mention any negative effects, which is that farmers are allowed to experiment with seeds and report their findings.

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8.

If Kevin's Law is successfully passed, the USDA will have the power to shut down food companies that are selling unhealthy or diseased food.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
If Kevin's Law is passed, it will grant the USDA the authority to close down food companies that sell food that is either unhealthy or diseased. This means that if the law is enacted, the USDA will have the power to take action against food companies that do not meet the required health standards, ensuring that consumers are protected from consuming unsafe or unhealthy food products.

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9.

If people step up and demand better food, the agribusiness industry will change to meet the demands.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The statement suggests that if people express their desire for better food, the agribusiness industry will adapt and provide what is being demanded. This implies that consumer demand has the power to drive change in the industry, indicating that the statement is true.

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