Ethisphere Magazine, a “national publication dedicated to illuminating the important correlation between ethics and profit,” recently named the Kellogg Company as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, making Kellogg one of

the elite list of companies [that] were recognized for their strong leadership in ethics and compliance, advancement of industry discourse on social and ethical issues, and positive engagement in the communities in which they operate.

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The above comes from the October 1927 issue of Popular Science, (Click here for larger, readable view) and proves to be remarkable prescient in terms of food.

The article overestimates the population growth, predicting for New York City proper

a population of 13,948,000. In the area described as “Greater New York” there will be 17,797,000 people; and in the suburban area the total population, according to figures based on the law of growth described in the June Popular Science Monthly, will be 28,705,000.

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As if fast food itself weren’t creepy enough, it seems that the makers of such go out of their way to come up with the weirdest mascots imaginable to promote their food. Fanpop recently did a Top Ten of the creepiest fast food mascots. I disagree with their choice of the rodentoid creature as mascot for Quiznos Subs as being only #10. I would have put it at numero uno.

I can’t imagine the thought processes of whomever came up with this and of whomever approved it. One can’t help but get a subliminal image of these nasty rodents (MD thinks they look like a cross between a rodent and a body louse–a yummy prospect, indeed.) actually being in the Quiznos Subs facilities, if not in the subs themselves. Absolutely creepy. I hate it because Quiznos has a pretty good low-carb selection; MD and I eat there often when were traveling and want something quick. Seeing this ad has given me second thoughts. If the people in charge are stupid enough to approve such a thing, what other stupid things are they doing to the food?

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Researchers at my alma mater the University of Arkansas reportedly have developed a healthful trans fat. I figured that it wouldn’t take long. Money quote:

By juggling the molecular structure of soy oil, the team of scientists have developed a substance that is rich in conjugated linoleic acid.Andrew Proctor, professor of food science, and graduate student Vishal Jain claim that studies have shown that CLA can give the immune system a boost.

The two scientists have now used the converted oil to produce potato chips that contain high concentrations of CLA.

“It is still important to have a low fat diet and we do not propose increasing the fat intake, but a few chips will provide needed CLA,” said Proctor. [Italics in the original]

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Fried Coke at the Texas State Fair

Inspired by the previous post and the video of the making of deep-fried Twinkies, a couple of intrepid readers filed reports from the field. Read more »