Exclusive: Co-author of analysis for WHO calls on government to control the food industry rather than being subservient to it

Exclusive: Co-author of analysis for WHO calls on government to control the food industry rather than being subservient to it

Archived version: https://archive.ph/56yF6

    • Palacegalleryratio [he/him]@hexbear.netEnglish
      41·
      5 months ago

      I mean you’re not wrong, but it’s an oddly pedantic point to make. I think it’s quite clear in that sentence that I’m referring to artificial sweeteners.

      Like if I made two batches of yoghurt, one with actual strawberries, and another one with strawberry flavouring agents, would you be telling me that actually they’re both flavoured with chemicals because strawberries are themselves composed of various organic compounds?

      • triplenadir@lemmygrad.ml
        1·
        5 months ago

        to me “pedantic” means that a difference doesn’t matter, and in this case I think it matters a lot.

        “chemical” / “non chemical” (and “natural” / “artificial”) are marketing terms with no agreed-upon meaning and I think the world would be better if we stopped using them - because they overshadow terms which have clearer meanings like “safe” and “healthy”.

        in your strawberry example I’d say the useful metrics are the usual nutrient contents, and if any of the ingredients are known to cause health problems. “% strawberries” would be an objective metric that personally seems kinda meaningless to me personally but at least wouldn’t be misleading.