Well-researched, but a bit outdated. The end is so hopeful, but we haven't really changed much, have we?

Well researched & well written, Fast Food Nation is a thought-provoking, at times disturbing but always riveting look at the logistics, laws and sociology of fast food. Unlike many books on the topic, Schlosser does not push a particular view (for one, he has no problem with eating meat per se), and - not having a particular issue to push - takes a wider look at fast food, including at why it can be so appealing to some. He also takes the time to look at the evolution of the labor issues, agricultural issues and suppliers issues connected to the system that makes it possible for chains to offer $2 burgers. A fascinating, must-read book, still current a decade later.

Even if this book is more than a decade old, it is still truthful and seems relevant in 2012. Schlosser gives a disturbing and insightful look at what goes into every hamburger (both literally and figuratively) that we eat at fast food joints. Even if one doesn't agree or believe every point in the book, he does a good job of painting the larger picture. The book covers a lot of ground: the monopoly of commodity foods like potatoes, the horrible working condition of slaughter houses, the unresponsiveness of the US government even in the face of evident and high spread food poisoning, and the general attitudes of these big corporation that peddle fast food with our children in mind. By the time you finish this book, you probably won't be a vegetarian convert, but you'll question the morality of some consumer choices we make.

this teaches why fast food is bad for your health

An excellent study of the fast food industry, its history,and how it eploits people and animals and produces food which is very unhealthy and dangerous to eat. Reading it gave me more reasons to be proud of being a vegetarian. Highly recommended for all.