McDonald's Jumps on the Ethical Meat Bandwagon

They've got an new campaign focusing on the treatment of animals on their farms, the quality of the cuts of beef they use, and natural rearing methods. It's interesting that even the world's biggest fast food supplier is now concerned with proving its meat ethics.

While I'm of course far too skeptical to be swayed by such a move and think the campaign is likely 100% (free range?) bullshit, I do find it really heartening that even a company as powerful as McDonald's is feeling pressured by an increasing public awareness of the ethical issues surrounding meat. That can only be a good sign for how influential this movement is becoming. Although with popularization there is always the danger of the discussion becoming all about stupid lip service and using the right language to prove your ethical cred, and losing a lot of its meaning. Which such a campaign certainly hints at.

15 Minutes of Fame

Those who can get their hands on a copy of the May issue of BBC Good Food Magazine most definitely should, not only because it has a wonderful and simple recipe for rhubarb rice pudding (heartiest!) but also because yours truly is in it as a taste tester. This glorious title means that you can see a teeny tiny photo of me at the front of the magazine, and some of my comments on a couple of the featured recipes. Glamourous. I am happy to autograph any copies of the magazine for adoring fans.

Is organic food healthier?

According to Peter Melchett in The Guardian, the science appears to indicate so. Just don't expect politicians to recognise it. The article is here.