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67 pages 2 hours read

Michael Moss

Salt Sugar Fat

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2013

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Essay Topics

1.

How could the food industry maintain sales without harming the health of their customers?

2.

Are salt, sugar, and fat harmful, or does the author misrepresent the situation? On the basis of the available evidence, which of these ingredients is most harmful? Which least?

3.

Who bears more responsibility for the obesity epidemic and its health consequences: consumers or producers?

4.

Why do food companies produce unhealthy foods? Why not sell vegetables instead?

5.

Does the author portray the food industry accurately? Which biases could he have, and how could one tell?

6.

Why do food scientists react as they do to their employers? Many food scientists do not eat processed foods, and some actively campaign for healthier foods. Why would a food scientist produce foods and beverages that they would not eat?

7.

Why does the author discuss three critical nutrients without which people would die? Could the author have written about artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or other ingredients?

8.

Is the writing style fair? Moss is a journalist and includes many sensationalist phrases, often comparing basic foods to hard drugs, and the food market to war. Are these claims justified to you? 

9.

What is the research methodology behind Salt Sugar Fat? The author interviews numerous scientists, yet acknowledges his own unscientific approach. Which information in the book should be trusted, and why?

10.

What political considerations affect Salt Sugar Fat? Various governmental agencies are referenced. Does the author seem to have a particular agenda?

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