Episode 217: The Politics of Food

This week we're looking at where our health and nutrition information comes from with Dr. Marion Nestle, professor and chair of New York University's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies. Dr. Nestle has served as nutrition advisor to the USDA and the FDA and is the author of Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health. She suggests some Internet sites that offer help in determining who is funding the health and nutrition research we hear about in the news.

It's conch chowder and picadillo for Jane and Michael Stern at Dennis Pharmacy Luncheonette in Key West, Florida. Joshua Wesson reveals true lies behind those wine rules, and wants us to try low oak Chardonnays that pair well with a variety of foods.

Chef Jerry Traunfeld cooks with lavender and has a recipe for Potatoes with Lavender and Rosemary. Our always-hungry reporter Scott Haas lets his American teenagers loose at Paris' high altar of serious cuisine; we'll hear from the woman who initiated the ban on soda in Los Angeles schools; and Lynne shares her recipe for Tomato-Mozzarella Salad with Spiked Pine Nuts and Basil.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• August 31, 2002 (originally aired)

• August 23, 2003 (rebroadcast)