Defining Food Ethics: More Than Just What's on Your Plate

Food ethics - the concept you may have never heard of. Until now, that is, let’s discuss. Food ethics is the study of the moral and social implications surrounding food production, consumption, and distribution. It asks questions like:

• Are the animals treated ethically in farming, food production, and warehouse settings?  

• How do food systems affect the environment—from sustainable farming practices to the impact of food waste?

• What are the labor conditions for those working in food production and agriculture?

• How does food distribution impact equity, access, and social justice—who has access to healthy, affordable food, and who doesn’t?

• What is the impact of our personal food choices on global or local communities—can our food habits contribute to or alleviate global problems like hunger, inequality, or climate change?

Food ethics is much more complex than most initially think, and it often intersects with other fields, such as environmental ethics, human rights, economics, and sustainability. The goal of food ethics as a concept is to push individuals and societies to think more critically about what they eat and how their food systems are structured. It's about balancing individual desires, societal needs, and the health of the planet (and our neighbors!).

Key Ethical Considerations in the Food System

When we think about animal welfare and humane treatment, images of chickens in cages or cows in tight enclosures may come to mind. The treatment of animals before processing has come into focus more in recent decades (does anyone else remember the traumatizing but incredibly impactful 2002 documentary, Meet Your Meat?). You may also notice an uptick in cage-free or free-range labeling on your egg cartons. This is likely in part due to consumer demand, the ever-changing politics of farming and agriculture, and societal shifts. The inhumane and unsanitary treatment of animals is becoming a large public focus, and we are likely to see bigger companies start to change their agricultural practices. 

Some people are focused on making an ethical commitment to their environment, and practice this by purchasing organic foods. People belonging to this group believe that industrialized farming methods and the widespread use of chemical pesticides have had a negative impact on ecosystems, soil microbiomes, and have had a devastating effect on our own health. The damage to our groundwater, soil, and foliage also impacts wildlife on a drastic scale (have you ever heard of the butterfly effect?). 

Social Justice and Human Well-being in Food Ethics

There is another layer to food ethics that we haven't discussed yet. Yes, the environment and treatment of animals are profoundly important, but we also have to consider the labor practices at food processing plants, as well as the unequal access to food. Public health, nutrition, and food safety are all integral to food ethics and deserve greater attention. 

The Food Ethics Council highlights inequities in the food processing industry. A significant portion of our food comes from different parts of the world, where people’s cost of living, standard of living, and labor laws can differ greatly. Some feel it is unfair that only a minuscule portion of our food costs actually reaches the people who provide it for us. Farmers working in developing countries often do not receive fair benefits or pay, while working significantly more hours and at the expense of their own health and well-being. 

This is a touchy subject of food ethics, but one that needs to be explored further. Some ways to ensure farmers are being paid for their work include shopping at local farmers' markets, exploring produce box deliveries in your area (which are usually supplied by local farmers), and supporting smaller businesses for items such as beans, grains, and spices. 

Making Ethical Food Choices: Your Role as a Consumer

Johns Hopkins University asks us to consider what our role is in food ethics. It is up to you to determine where you stand on each of the above points, and adjust your shopping habits accordingly. Studies suggest the world is becoming more aware of food ethics as a whole. The World Economic Forum estimates there are currently over one billion practicing vegans and vegetarians right now, a huge increase compared to past generations and even ten years ago. This could be due to food preferences or allergies, but animal welfare and environmental sustainability remain significant factors. Farmers' markets have also seen a sharp increase in popularity and consistently maintain event spaces, providing food to our communities. 

Small, consistent decisions can add up to a more ethical and sustainable food lifestyle. You can incorporate food ethics into your life by making more thoughtful and responsible food choices. Consider the following options and subsequent impacts:

1. Buy sustainably – Choose locally grown, organic, or seasonal foods to reduce environmental impact. Farmers’ markets are popular attractions in most major cities; consider stopping by. 

2. Support fair labor – Buy from companies or farms that treat workers fairly and ethically.

3. Eat less meat (or choose ethically raised meat) – Reduce animal suffering and environmental harm. Local butchers are the way to go for meat lovers out there (and they taste better, too!). 

4. Reduce food waste – Plan meals, store food properly, and use leftovers to avoid unnecessary waste. Consider composting! It’s a smelly business, but a fulfilling one (warning: may involve worms). 

5. Consider food justice – Support policies or businesses that improve access to healthy food in underserved communities. Think school lunches, soup kitchens, etc. 

6. Stay informed – Learn about the origins of your food and the impact of your purchasing choices.
   
   
   

1. _{Food Ethics Council. (2024). What is food ethics? – food ethics council. www.foodethicscouncil.org. https://www.foodethicscouncil.org/food-ethics/what-is-food-ethics/} 

2. _{Fanzo, J., & McLaren, R. (2020, January 1). An Overview of the Ethics of Eating and Drinking. Pure.johnshopkins.edu; Springer International Publishing. https://pure.johnshopkins.edu/en/publications/an-overview-of-the-ethics-of-eating-and-drinking} 

3. _{Buchholz, K. (2022, November 8). Vegetarianism: What are the rates in different countries? World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/11/vegetarianism-rise-fall-world-chart/}