Debunked: Food ‘facts’ that you’ve heard but aren’t true

I was recently at the Missouri State Fair, making my usual rounds through the Agriculture Building.

As I stood in front of the prize-winning cured country hams, I overheard a group of 20-something-year-old guys talking.

One said, “So, the more mold, the bigger the ribbon?” Another chimed in, “Wow, that’s a lot of hamburger.”

I couldn’t help but laugh under my breath. They weren’t being rude — they were genuinely curious.

It was a great reminder that when people don’t understand something, they fill in the blanks with whatever they’ve heard, read, or been told. Right or wrong.

It’s human nature to try to make sense of the world. But the real issue starts when those blanks are filled with misinformation, especially about our food.

Fast forward a few days and I’m sitting in a salon chair with 30 minutes to spare, getting my hair washed, a relaxing ritual I always look forward to.

My stylist gives the best head and neck massage, and for about four minutes, I can forget the world.

Or, at least, I could have — if I hadn’t overheard the conversation coming from two other stylists just a few feet away.

“The red dye in food causes ADHD and suicide.”

“Enriched means they added chemicals — never buy it.”

“Orange egg yolks mean they’re pasture-raised and not fed GMOs.”

“Only one farm around here sells truly healthy eggs.”

And so on.

I lay there, eyes closed, trying to enjoy the massage, but the stress crept right back in. Misinformation was being passed around like gospel.

I told my stylist, half-joking, that if I had to keep listening, I’d leave with wet hair. But what really bothered me was that some of this “information” was coming from farmers — specifically, one local couple who sells eggs, meat and produce labeled as “hormone free.”

I know those farmers. I’ve seen their flyers at the farmers market. I also know people who live nearby and have seen firsthand the state of their operation: broken fences, animals in weedy lots, goats roaming onto neighbors’ property. Yet their marketing is polished and persuasive — and it’s working.

Look, I get it. People want to feel good about the food they eat. But fear isn’t education. And using scare tactics to gain customers is not only unethical — it’s harmful to the trust that farmers work hard to build.

To make up for staying quiet during my salon visit, I’m putting together a one-page handout that answers common food questions and shares trustworthy resources.

One of my favorites is FindOurCommonGround.com, where real farmers talk openly about everything from GMOs and food dyes to labels and hormones. The Food Facts section is a great place to start.

I can’t control what others say — but I can choose to speak up, share facts and encourage curiosity over fear.