Final answer:
In 'Food Inc.,' the factory system model is applied to the food industry through efficiency in specialized tasks, predictability in store layouts and product consistency, calculability in pricing goods, and control through uniformity and security measures. This industrial approach enhances profits and availability of goods but reduces product diversity and raises health concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Food Inc., the factory system model has significantly influenced the food industry. The principles of efficiency, predictability, calculability, and control are evident throughout various stages of food production and distribution. For example, workers specializing in specific tasks, such as slicing meats and cheese, reflect the efficiency aspect of the model. Predictability is showcased by the consistent organization of stores and uniformity of goods and prices across different locations. Calculability is observed in the pricing of goods by weight, enabling customers to gauge their spending more accurately. Moreover, uniformed employees, security cameras, and restricted areas demonstrate the control element, ensuring a standardized shopping experience and secure environment.
This industrial approach has led to improved profits and wider availability of goods, but it also has repercussions, such as reduced diversity of products and potential health risks due to additives and genetically modified organisms. The globalized industry has increasingly become dominated by transnational corporations, affecting the sustainability and security of food supply chains.