Industrial Food Revalution

When did it become the acceptable norm for vulgar displays of public eating, to be simply excused as an act of convenience? Increasingly the boundaries of food consumption seem to be vanishing, with the referred etiquette of the 1940’s and 50’s being replaced with a more modern model for food consumption; from breakfast on the go, to eating as we work and quick fix snacks behind the wheel, the 21^st century’s definition of multi-tasking definitely encompasses ‘fast food’.

And as the rise of the industrial food revaluation brought about new manufacturing techniques and possibilities for mass manufactured food a new aesthetic of food was born. With our aesthtical expectations of food changing and our tolerance of what is acceptable when it comes to eating: anything goes – anywhere and anytime.

This image visualises for me theses gradual changes and the cultural evolution of food culture in the west, Zachks, Flickr set of Frozen Food Forms illustrates for me our gradual disconnection from true food and the impact that modern life and progress has inevitably had on diet.

Although we can possibly conclude the last century may have born witness to one of the fastest revolutions in our dietary history, I wish to question whether the results and bi-product of the industrialisation of food has led to a more conscious, more knowledgeable and more ethical consumer fostering a new revolution for food and farming. With the rise in organic, fair-trade, and local food products it seems like never before has nutrition in all its forms and facets been so thoroughly celebrated.

Source - Zachks, Flickr set - http://flickr.com/photos/zachk/sets/72157604491249433/