Taking a look at the ‘true cost’ of food

We’ve all had that one conversation with our parents or grandparents, as they boasted about the basketful of fruits and veggies they’d bring home at a mere some of some annas or five to ten rupees. In a fast paced world where convenience rules and quick-fixes are what we thrive on, DIY kits, processed snacks and meals, and fast food come disguised as saviours. They are priced attractively, ensuring that these choices don’t hurt your pocket, while also saving you from all the time and effort you’d put into cooking a meal. After all, it’s a deal that sounds impossible to resist. But the real question then remains, are these low cost alternatives really worth it?

The price of any product depends on a cumulation of all the costs necessary to manufacture the product. This can include overheads like electricity, labour, hygiene, raw material and so on. This is basic knowledge. And to add to this, economies of scale teaches us that large scale productions prove beneficial to saving costs and increasing profits. Putting this knowledge to application, now let’s think once again: If the end product is priced cheap, what does it say about the process of making it?

Right from sourcing cheap raw material or substitutes, to questionable hygiene practices, our first step to comprehending the impact of the food we consume is to understand that cheap does not equate to sustainable, be it for yourself or the environment. While the monetary cost of a product may appear insignificant—considering how it does not account for its impact on health or the environment—each product has a ‘true cost’ which is far greater than what you pay at a cash register. Let’s take a look at these hidden implications.

Impact on Health
The impact of cheap, processed or mass produced food on our health is profound and multifaceted. From the elders in our family badgering us to avoid eating out, to the well-documented risk factors associated with processed foods, it's clear that cheap, mass-produced food can be detrimental to our health. The convenience and low cost of these foods often come at the expense of nutritional quality, leading to obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and other such ailments. Diets high in processed foods are typically loaded with trans fats, sodium and added sugars, which contribute to cardiac problems and other serious health issues.

Environmental Degradation
Environmental degradation caused by the food industry is a significant concern. From clearing land to accommodate processing units to the vast resources like water and electricity required to run them, the surrounding environment bears the brunt of this impact. These activities lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Additionally, the pollution generated from these facilities, including waste and emissions, further degrades air and water quality. Despite these severe consequences, environmental concerns are often neglected in favour of economic gains and production efficiency.

Food Wastage
Food wastage is a major issue within the food industry, especially when it comes to mass produced FMCG products, with unused produce and raw materials often discarded if deemed unfit for use. The rate of recycling such waste remains alarmingly low, contributing to environmental pollution and loss of resources. End products that go unsold and expire on store shelves also meet a wasteful end, further exacerbating the problem. This cycle of waste not only leads to significant economic losses but also adds pressure on landfills, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and wasting the water, energy and labour invested in producing, transporting and storing these food items.

Labour Exploitation
Many agricultural workers around the world face poor working conditions, low wages and lack of job security. Migrant workers, in particular, are often subject to exploitative practices, including long hours with inadequate rest, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and minimal access to healthcare or legal protections. Child labour is also prevalent in some regions, where children are forced to work to support their families, missing out on education and opportunities for a better future. These exploitative practices not only violate basic human rights but also perpetuate cycles of poverty and social inequality, undermining the well-being and dignity of millions of workers.

Food Insecurity
Despite the industry's ability to produce vast quantities of food, many local communities suffer from food shortages and malnutrition. This often occurs because food is diverted from local markets to international exports, prioritising profit over local needs. Additionally, the focus on cash crops for export rather than subsistence farming reduces the availability of nutritious food for local populations. In regions heavily dependent on a single crop, any disruption—such as pests, disease, or climate change—can devastate food supplies, leading to hunger and malnutrition. Food insecurity not only affects physical health but also has broader social and economic implications, hindering development and exacerbating poverty.

So far, the food industry has worked with a mindset to maximise on profit and to cater to the rising population. And in order to keep up with this ever-changing scenario, some sacrifices have to be made. Sadly, it is these very sacrifices that later haunt us in various other ways. While addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring fair labour conditions, and prioritising local food security, you too can take small steps to ensure your own good health. Knowing where your food comes from and building and being mindful of your purchases can definitely help you make sound choices. Although the reality of the situation still remains grim, we can definitely hope individual choices can make a difference in the long run.