A Short and Selective Indian Glossary: FOOD BABE
FOOD BABE
That’s what blogger and activist
Vani Hari calls herself. Food Chick would have been just as appropriate. Not
only did Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A pay attention to Hari’s criticisms, but they
brought her in as a paid consultant and adopted some of her recommendations for
making their food healthier. Hari, based in Charlotte, wasn’t always
health-conscious. In fact, when she was a high-achieving corporate consultant,
her lifestyle—involving unhealthy eating, constant travel, long hours—took a
toll and she rapidly gained weight. She even ended up in the hospital, which
became a turning point in her life. After doing some research, Hari realized
that genetically modified food was problematic. What she ate, she concluded,
contained harmful ingredients ranging from artificial additives and unsaturated
fats to pesticides. That’s not all. Even the food she considered safe was not
always nutritious. Changing her habits, and switching jobs, she started her
blog and became a vigorous activist on the food front.
Chick-fil-A became Chemical-fil-A in
her attack, causing a minor sensation. In 2013, she got Chick-fil-A to remove
high fructose corn syrup, dyes, and a butane-based chemical called TBHQ from
their products. Hari first grabbed the spotlight when she displayed a sign written
with a lipstick at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. It read
“Label GMOs.” The Food Babe has also taken on Kraft, Chipotle, and Subway,
among others; and given the success she’s been having, her battles seem far
from over.
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