From Smoke to Substance: The Food Industry's Origins

Political aspirations led to an exploration of the powerful influence and spending of the food and farm industries in Washington, D.C. The farm industry is identified as a significant financial force, outspending even the oil industry. A pivotal revelation emerges regarding the food industry's deep-rooted connections to the tobacco sector, particularly in the 1990s when major tobacco companies like RJ Reynolds and Philip Morris transitioned into the food market post-scrutiny of cigarettes. Utilizing their vast financial resources, these companies acquired food firms and redirected their expertise in addiction from cigarettes to the development of processed food, illustrating a complex and strategic maneuver to reshape industry dynamics.