Sometimes I think to myself - what happened that people decided their food should have a label?
I don't think its the food that is being labeled. It's the people eating the food. Tribalism seems to predate humanity. And can be blamed for many "bad things". But if it helps people eat smarter - than let's call it a good thing in this case.
Stupid corporations in the 50s, I think. I was just watching a short clip on how what began as the "TV Dinner" was actually a mistake. They took the leftovers from a failed attempt at something else and packaged it up as a "meal" and it took off. (Now I'm going to have to find that video.....)
I hadn't heard that story but I don't think the "stupid corporations" are entirely to blame. Even taking in advertising into effect the public shares at least half the blame. Several authors, including Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), blame American's shifting tastes and preferences. In the prosperity of the 50s, homemade and homecooked became old fashioned and low class. To show off how modern and well-to-do you were you wanted fancy "machine made" goods. Including canned and frozen prepared meals.
Although the corporations were more than happy to take full advantage of this. But I'm sure it can be argued both ways. Chicken or egg.
(oh hey! we vegans need a better saying)