Empire on a Plate: How Imperialism Shaped the American Food Industry
- Darin Detwiler
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
September is National Food Safety Education Month, a time to focus on food safety practices that protect public health today. But to truly understand the state of food safety in America, we must also look back at the forces that shaped the very foundation of our food system.
In this eye-opening 12-minute lecture, food policy expert Dr. Darin Detwiler takes us on a journey through history, exploring how Imperialism, economic expansion, and political ambition at the turn of the 20th century built the framework for industrialized food production — with consequences that still impact us today.
The symbolism behind John Gast’s iconic (and controversial) 1872 painting “American Progress”
A clear definition of imperialism and how it influenced food production and policy
The role of new technologies, labor forces, and transportation networks (including the Panama Canal)
How supply & demand, industrial markets, and population shifts set the stage for modern food manufacturing
Why understanding these roots is critical to understanding today’s food safety challenges
We can’t fix what we don’t understand. As Dr. Detwiler emphasizes, the modern food system is not a recent invention: it’s the result of industrialization, political power plays, and global expansion. The choices made over a century ago continue to shape how food is grown, processed, and distributed today - especially when it comes to safety, equity, and sustainability.
To explore this broader view, we invite you to watch a powerful video by Dr. Darin Detwiler, a leading voice in food policy and safety. Watch now: “IMPERIALISM's Role in shaping the Food Industry at the Turn of the Century"
Comments