Oprah said it last week on the Golden Globes. She wants you to be “speaking your truth.” She said she’s “especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to [Read more…] about Speaking Your Truth
Oprah Winfrey
Dissing Food Can Be Dangerous
Remember back in 1996 when Texas cattle ranchers sued Oprah Winfrey for discussing mad cow disease on her show? The ranchers lost in an appeal, but the lawsuit had a lasting effect.
Or did it? Did you know that we have to be careful when writing critically about any food or ingredient?
Food libel laws, like the ones in Texas and in 12 other states, are still very much alive. They allow a food manufacturer or processor to sue for what they believe are disparaging remarks about their products. Apple growers sued CBS a few years ago after the Alar apple scare, and McDonald’s has sued two environmental activists in England over a critical pamphlet.
Carrie Vitt of Deliciously Organic reminded me of these laws recently. She’s working on a book based on her blog, and her publisher is concerned about what she says in print. “I am allowed to say, “I don’t eat conventionally grown spinach because when I do I get a severe migraine. That would be OK because it’s just my opinion and I’m not telling [Read more…] about Dissing Food Can Be Dangerous
