Press – Ingreedients Movie

Video Librarian Review: inGREEDients ***(2009) 60 min. DVD: Sir Rebel Films (dist. by The AV Cafe). PPR. Opening with an animated sequence in which a Keebler-style elf shoots "killer cookies" at captive kids, the gloves-off documentary InGREEDients focuses on the dangers of processed food, including trans fats. Registered nurse and filmmaker David Burton was inspired-after seeing too many overweight and malnourished patients-to create this earnest if somewhat uneven production weighted with facts about obesity, heart disease, diabetes, fatty acids, hydrogenated oil, good and bad fats, and the role of the interstate highway system in creating today's American diet. Also covered are the evils of chemical additives, the misleading nature of some product labeling, and the shortcomings of government oversight in protecting us from our dietary missteps. Scientists, academics, and activists offer information and express opinions, while archival footage and animation illustrate the main points. In a nutshell, Burton urges consumers to take responsibility for what they put in their mouths: buy "real" food (unprocessed or minimally processed), read labels carefully, eat out less, and avoid junk. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Gardner)

Library Journal / School Library Journal Review: InGREEDients: The Choice Is Yours!!!color. 60 min. David Burton, Sir Rebel Films, LLC, dist. by AV Cafe, 877-228-2233; www.theavcafe.com. 2010. DVD UPC 705105280134. COOKING/HEALTH Studies reveal that heart disease is the number one killer among adults worldwide, instances of diabetes are increasing exponentially, and obesity is a U.S. epidemic. All of these conditions are exacerbated and may even be caused by hydrogenated oils, the source of trans fatty acids, which in the last few years have fallen from dietary grace. Many food labels now trumpet No Trans Fats! but read those labels closely. The Food and Drug Administration allows products with as much as half a gram of trans fat to read that they have none. Filmmaker Burton goes after trans fat as obsessively as Ahab pursued his whale, interviewing an impressive array of well-credentialed experts to prove his thesis. Cooking at home and incorporating only nonprocessed foods will help us to retain, or regain, our health and stick it to the companies that claim to have our welfare at heart but, in fact, are only interested in their bottom line. An excellent film for all audiences. Even children will enjoy, for the animated sequences. Highly recommended. Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH