Watch What You Eat

Ok, so my past few columns have probably made me sounds like a bit of a curmudgeon. Complaining about Fine print on ads and broken politics. Lucky for you this week is no different! I’m starting to feel like Andy Rooney without all the integrity, notoriety or talent.

In the past few years, you’ve likely noticed a few changes in the grocery store. Packages getting deceptively smaller everyday. Many of these changes are bundled with a “Portion control” or “Value Size” tagline in an attempt to hide the real truth; You’re getting less for the same money. With increases in gas prices and raw materials in general, we really shouldn’t be surprised by increases in costs. What’s most surprising is that corporations would rather fool us than just be honest. I’m sure there’s some sort of data showing that consumers would revolt in masses to a price increase as opposed to a “portion adjustment”. However I personally just feel like you’re trying to get away with something.

In a semi-related note, a study came out this week regarding the mis-labeling of foods in stores and restaurants. For example, ever had a nice cut of Kobe Beef? Unless you’ve been to Japan, chances are you haven’t. That because it’s illegal to import the delicacy in the United States. Shocked? Here’s another. In California, a study of sushi restaurants concluded that 87% of Sushi was using a different fish than advertised. So next time you think your being trendy by ordering the “Pacific Red Snapper”, just realize you’re probably getting one of over a dozen other fish that State Law allows to be sold under that name.

Finally, what about the freshest buzzwords on the scene: Organic and Artisan. From Kashi cereal to Dominos pizza, these creations are a far cry from natural or hand made. Personally, I don’t give a crap where my cereal’s grains originate from or if my block of cheese was hand crafted by some fine cheese maker, but apparently it’s a big market. I’ve been trying to figure out a new business for a while now and I think I’ve finally cracked the code:

Organic Artisan Sushi. Handcrafted by a real Sushi chef I found at Wegmans. It’s “portion controlled” and “value priced” for your shopping convenience and if you buy now, I’ll even throw in some Kobe Beef…cheap.

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