Swallow This
Serving Up the Food Industry’s Darkest Secrets
Format:Paperback
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers
Published:31st Dec '15
Should be back in stock very soon
Joanna Blythman's Swallow This investigates the hidden realities of food processing, revealing the complexities behind everyday ingredients and their impact on our diets.
From the author of Swallow This, Joanna Blythman embarks on a transformative journey into the world of food processing. With over 25 years of experience as a journalist and investigator, she confronts the complexities of what we consume daily. Blythman raises critical questions about the so-called 'natural' ingredients that populate our food. What does it mean for a flavoring to be 'natural'? What is modified starch, and why is it so prevalent? The book dives deep into the production processes that keep our pitta bread fresh for months and explores the lingering aftertaste of supermarket salads.
Swallow This is not just an investigation into the more obvious processed foods like ready meals and chicken nuggets; it also unravels the mystery behind seemingly innocent products like washed salads, smoothies, and cereal bars. Blythman sheds light on an industry that operates legally but often obscures its practices behind complex terminology and clever marketing. This exploration reveals a world far removed from our domestic kitchens, where food is prepared with methods that many consumers are unaware of.
Determined to unveil the truth, Blythman gains unprecedented access to factories and industry insiders. Her findings provide an eye-opening account of the food processing industry and challenge readers to reconsider what they are truly consuming. Swallow This is a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding the hidden realities of their food choices.
‘In this fine book, Blythman uses a long spoon to sup with the devils of our daily diet.’ The Times
‘Outstanding … Blythman is never holier than thou – she recognises that people, herself included, need and want convenience food. Her argument is simply that we have a right to know what’s really in it, right down to the minor chemical processes that have known toxic properties … Food for thought’ Observer
‘I whole-heartedly applaud her achievement. This is an important book which should be required reading for anyone who eats processed food, whether that’s organic pork chops or sausage rolls from the petrol station’ Literary Review
‘Riveting’ Daily Telegraph
Praise for What to Eat:
‘Joanna Blythman has one of the sanest food heads in the Western World – and this brilliant book encapsulates her admirably clear thinking in a wonderfully accessible, entertaining way. Everyone who cares what they eat and how they feed their family – that’s all of us, right? – should read it.’ Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall
'A rare book, practical, sensible, and passionate. Joanna Blythman writes with clarity, sanity and humanity. Anyone interested in food and cooking should read it.' Matthew Fort
‘A succinct and badly needed encyclopaedia of facts and common sense on food and nutrition for which I am truly grateful. The introduction alone is worth the price of the book.’ Darina Allen
ISBN: 9780007548354
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 20mm
Weight: 190g
320 pages