Some good content, although I wasn't a huge fan of the author's voice when presenting it. She was coming from a conservative, middle-America mindset... talking about being a "good mommy". I couldn't relate. However, I do think it is important for people to educate themselves on the food industry in this country and the potential pitfalls of genetically modified foods. After reading, I will be very careful about reading the labels on what I buy at the grocery store.

While I did think this was a very good introduction into GMOs and food additives, I mostly skipped over the personal chapters where she detailed her experience dealing with food allergies.

Awesome book! Very informative. Easy to follow even if you don't know all the scientific words, Robyn makes it really easy to learn about all the chemicals in our food. It is amazing how many things are in our food that the same companies take out of food in Europe. Great book if you want to learn more about how to keep your family healthy. Robyn has had kids with multiple allergies and does a great job talking about diet elimination and how to make different choices.

The 4 stars is based on the importance of the subject matter, NOT on the writing. Wish the co-author had tried harder to get rid of the redundancies. (She said "shocking" again. DRINK!). If you've read anything by Michael Pollan or watched Food, Inc. you already know our food production system (and the head honchos who have lawmakers and enforcement agencies in their pocket$) are evil. But this book talks specifically about kids and how food additives, colors, and genetically-modified ingredients that are so popular in "kid foods" are likely contributing to their increasing health problems (see: allergies, ADHD, Type II diabetes, etc.)

I was mostly reading for the second part, where the author gives advice on how to clean up your family's diet. Her tips are good, but she seems scared that she will put people off if she gives it to them straight. So she'll say things like, "Try using HALF the packet of fluorescent powdered chemicals in your kids' Kraft Mac 'n Cheese." ALSO, did you know that Kraft took the artificial colors OUT of the boxes they ship to England and other countries? That's because England told them where they could put that crap. (In the Americans' food, obviously.)

I was looking more for a what to do book than a why to do book. I read the last chapter which was mostly suggestions which i already knew

I came up with a drinking game while reading this book. Every time O'Brien mentioned she had an MBA, I took a shot. I was hammered by page 50. ;-) Or when she reverts back to "I'm JUST a mom".

I have to concur with everyone else. The information was interesting but presented so poorly it was hard to slog through the book.

Everyone who is concerned with the food we eat and the food we feed our children should read this book. Robyn's personal journey and the things she researched are amazing. I, like she was, am shocked out why US consumers have allowed questionable substances to continue to be in our food. American companies already have healhtier versions (without artifical ingredients and harmful food coloring) that are sold in Europe, Australia and other countries...why aren't we demanding those same products here?

I would love for the author to update this book. Some of the information is now outdated.

Anyone who has paid attention to recent (within the last 10 years) information about GM food or who has watched any number of documentaries about American food (Food, Inc., Fast Food Nation, etc.) and the problems created by large companies like Monsanto, will not be "shocked" by anything presented in this book. The author uses the word "shocking" multiple times in a way that makes it seem that her research is new; it's not! But to her, because it was new, she presents it as such. That said, what she does share is good info for any novice researcher who hasn't paid attention to what chemicals and GM does to food. Her casual voice may annoy some, but it does make the info easier to swallow than a strictly academic voice. I found her strident, self centered, and annoying (mostly because I couldn't believe someone could be this ignorant about so many things), but I cut her some slack for her efforts to spread a good message.

After developing an argument on why we should avoid certain foods, she loses ground. The last chapter in this book is laughable. After preaching about how bad food is, she offers solutions that include simply eating less of the harmful food (despite earlier claiming that even a small portion is detrimental to health). Rather than advocating total avoidance or a change in lifestyle and diet (the only way to really avoid "bad" foods), she seems to slip from her position and give in to the argument that convenience really does win out in the end.

Scared me, angered me and helped me make the decision to change the way I feed my family. While the author can be a bit repetative (we get it, you were a financial analyst and you tend to burn things when you cook), she presents information in a readable yet scientific way. She does rely on studies rather than anecdotal information and does not appear to have any ulterior motive other than wanting parents to be as informed as she is. I would read this as a companion to the documentary Food Inc. and any Michael Pollan book.