N※N

Food Industry 'Stacked' Against Consumers

-16

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/08/food-industry-stacked-against-consumers.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, January 8th 2026 at 14:04 GMT by Fox News

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
• 🞛 This publication contains potentially derogatory content such as foul language or violent themes

A System "Stacked" Against Consumers

Michaels' central argument is that the food industry, in conjunction with government policies, has created a labyrinth of confusion, actively hindering consumers' ability to make informed and healthy food choices. She expresses a deep concern that much of the nutritional information available to the public originates from the very companies profiting from the existing system. This inherent conflict of interest, she argues, is a core driver of the problem.

"I think the food system has been intentionally stacked against the consumer," Michaels stated in an interview with Fox News Digital. Her investigation moves beyond simple dietary advice, focusing instead on the structural forces at play within the food industry.

The Power of Lobbying and Misleading Labels

A significant portion of Michaels' focus is on the influence of lobbying. She asserts that the food industry wields considerable power and utilizes it to shape policies that prioritize their own profits, often at the expense of public health. This lobbying effort, she believes, is a crucial element in the ongoing confusion surrounding food and nutrition.

Michaels also takes aim at misleading food labeling practices. She highlights the prevalence of processed foods masquerading as healthy options - an example being chips flavored with "avocado" that contain only artificial flavoring and none of the actual fruit. This deceptive marketing, she argues, leads consumers to believe they are making healthy choices when they are not.

Processed Foods and Addiction

The special delves into the addictive nature of processed foods. Michaels suggests that the manipulation within the food system isn't accidental; it's a calculated strategy to keep consumers "confused and addicted." She believes manufacturers are intentionally engineering products to trigger reward centers in the brain, making them difficult to resist. While the precise mechanisms of food addiction remain a complex area of scientific research, Michaels' perspective adds weight to the growing concerns about the impact of ultra-processed foods on consumer behavior.

Taking Personal Responsibility & The Path Forward

Despite the bleak picture she paints, Michaels emphasizes the importance of individual agency. She believes that increased awareness is the first step towards creating meaningful change. By becoming more informed about the food industry's practices and the potential impact of processed foods, consumers can empower themselves to make healthier choices.

"It's really about awareness," Michaels explains. "The more aware we are, the more empowered we are to make the changes that we need to make for our health."

Beyond the Special: A Wider Conversation

Michaels' Fox Nation special joins a growing chorus of voices raising concerns about the healthfulness of the American diet and the practices of the food industry. The issues she highlights - lobbying, misleading labeling, and the prevalence of processed foods - are not new, but her prominence and accessible approach offer a platform for wider public discussion. It prompts crucial questions about the role of government regulation, corporate responsibility, and the power of consumer education in shaping a healthier food system for all Americans. The special acts as a catalyst, encouraging viewers to critically evaluate their food choices and demand greater transparency from the food industry.