Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 13 Episode 11 Factory Food

In season 13 episode 11 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, titled "Factory Food," viewers are taken on a culinary journey through the world of mass-produced, processed foods. Andrew Zimmern explores various factories and facilities that create some of the most common items found in grocery stores and restaurants.

The episode begins with a visit to a poultry processing plant in Pennsylvania, where Zimmern witnesses the high-tech process of creating boneless, skinless chicken breasts. From the slaughtering of chickens to the advanced machinery that can break down a chicken in mere seconds, viewers are given a detailed look into how chicken is processed on a large scale.

Next, Zimmern travels to a massive potato farm in Idaho to see how french fries are made. He explores the various stages of potato production, from planting and harvesting to cutting and frying. He also visits a large ketchup factory to learn about the history of this beloved condiment and observe the process of turning tomatoes into ketchup. Along the way, Zimmern highlights the incredible amount of food waste that occurs in these factories and discusses the environmental impact of such waste.

The episode also features a segment on the production of processed cheese, including a visit to a factory in Wisconsin where cheese slices are made. Zimmern learns about the various additives and preservatives used in these products and the surprisingly intricate process of creating the perfect cheese slice.

Other highlights of the episode include a visit to a factory where frozen pizza is made and a stop at a cereal plant where popular breakfast cereals are produced. Viewers will also see the process of creating pre-packaged deli meat and learn about the various ingredients and chemicals that go into these products.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern provides commentary on the pros and cons of mass-produced foods, highlighting the convenience and affordability of these products but also pointing out the negative health consequences and environmental impacts. He also reflects on how these factory foods have become a staple in American cuisine and how the food industry has evolved over the years to keep up with consumer demand.

Overall, "Factory Food" offers a fascinating look into the world of processed, mass-produced foods and the factories that produce them. While some viewers may find the behind-the-scenes look at these factories to be unsavory, the episode provides an educational and thought-provoking exploration of this aspect of our modern food system.