The documentary “Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food” has been nominated for an Emmy Award in the Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary category. The win underscores the impact of the film, which will premiere on Netflix on August 2, 2023, and sheds light on important issues surrounding food safety in the United States.
Based on Jeff Benedict’s best-selling book, “Poisoned: The True Story of the Deadly E. Coli Outbreak That Changed the Way Americans Eat,” this documentary depicts a shocking exposé that has resonated with consumers, the food industry, regulators and politicians. The film’s nomination underscores the relevance and urgency of its message about the dangers of foodborne illness.
Directed by Stephanie Soechtig, known for impactful films like Under the Gun and Faded Up, Poisoned explores a pivotal moment in American food safety history: the 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak. The outbreak, which caused numerous illnesses and deaths, led to major changes in food safety regulations and practices.
The film also highlights an outbreak caused by leafy green vegetables and includes interviews with victims of the disease.
The documentary features food safety luminaries, including former government officials, industry spokespeople, and food safety attorney and publisher of Food Safety News, Bill Maher, who played a key role in driving food safety reform after the Jack in the Box scandal. The documentary also includes testimonials from people who have been personally affected by food poisoning, such as Darin Detwiler, whose 16-month-old son Riley died of E. coli during a food poisoning outbreak.
Poisoned premiered at the TriBeCa Film Festival in June 2023, where it garnered a lot of attention and praise.
The documentary was nominated for an Emmy Award and ranked next alongside other notable works in the Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary category.
“Loudmouth” (BET), “Love in the Time of Fentanyl” (PBS), “Rod of Sadness” (Showtime), “No Accidents” (HBO | Max)
The complete list of Emmy nominations can be found here.
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