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Food Groups Tell “Real Story” of Best Food
Nation Group Delivers Messages/Responds to Inaccuracies and Misinformation in New Book

Washington, DC (May 8, 2006) – A group of 18 national associations representing the millions of men and women in America who are dedicated to producing safe, abundant and affordable food in the United States have come together to tell the real story of our food system.

“We want to tell the story of the millions of people and their families who produce our food every day,” said Mike John, Missouri cattle producer and president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “We believe it’s important to set the record straight when critics use out of date or inaccurate information to attack the food system.”

John is referring to the new book Chew on This, author Eric Schlosser’s latest criticism of the food system which serves middle school students sensationalized misinformation about the U.S. food system.

“We welcome open dialogue about our food system,” said Janet Riley of the American Meat Institute. “These are important issues worthy of discussion. However, some of the information contained in this book is inaccurate and misleading, and Americans should know the facts so they can form their own opinions.”

To help the public access up-to-date information about the nation’s food supply, these associations representing each link of the food chain developed a web site dedicated to communicating accurate information: www.bestfoodnation.com.

The site contains current and factual information about the positive contributions delivered by the food system each and every day, as well as the individual stories of men and women representative of the millions of people and families who make up Best Food Nation. Visitors to the site can learn about efforts that directly benefit the public including the various balanced food choices offered by restaurants and food product manufacturers, the creation of millions of good jobs which offer competitive wages, the practice of responsible animal welfare and environmental stewardship by our nation’s farmers and ranchers, and the numerous benefits local communities receive through contributions and social programs.

“We invite the public to learn the whole story about our safe, abundant, affordable food supply,” said Sue Hensley of the National Restaurant Association. “By doing so, people can separate the myths from the facts and form their opinions based on accurate information. We recognize that our food system provides a wealth of choices and we want consumers to make informed decisions that promote a healthy lifestyle.”

The 18 organizations supporting Best Food Nation include: American Farm Bureau Federation, American Meat Institute, Corn Refiners Association, Food Products Association, International Franchise Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Council of Chain Restaurants, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council, National Potato Council, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation, National Turkey Federation, Snack Food Association, U.S. Potato Board and United Egg Producers.