Please use the seven-step case analysis methodology to analyze this case study.

Resolving Ethical Business Challenges- please use step 4 as pros and cons

Kayla Abara was the vice president of one of the most prominent food processing companies in the world. Her law, MBA, and biotechnology degrees and experience in the food industry made her a good advocate for the entire food processing industry. Robert Spansky also had very similar credentials, and the public knew of his leanings toward naturalness and simplicity that coincided with the global sustainability problem. He was an activist and investor against the current food industry. Kayla and Robert were invited to participate in a televised debate. The topic for discussion was worker safety, but Robert had his own agenda and soon flipped the conversation.

The trifecta for this industry is salt, fat, and sugar, he said straight into the camera. Biologically, humans become physically addicted to all three. For example, current guidelines say that adults should aim to eat less than 6 grams of salt per day, so why do we like to eat so much more? Food industry researchers have known for decades that sodium gives the system a rush and drives cravings. But the industry knew that.

Robert smiled and then added, Sugar is another problem. Our entire mouth is hard-wired to go crazy for sugar. And then there is fat. Research suggests that the reward center of the brain values foods high in both fat and carbohydrates or processed foods more than natural ones. This industry has used this knowledge to make food highly palatable to the detriment of society.

Kayla collected her thoughts and replied, Id like the audience to understand how youve manipulated their minds about salt, sugar, and fat. Simply put, yes, the food industry knew this for decades and researched all three substances. Of course, eating too much of a good thing can cause problems. But the public should be able to decide for themselves what they can and cannot eat.

But the products you support are causing obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, and premature deaths, stated Robert.

Kayla replied, Consumers want all three ingredients in pleasing-looking products that are affordable. But if consumers want more broccoli products, we will provide them. We also produce products that help consumers reduce their prep time, so they can work or play more with their kids. The monster you call the processed food industry is really a servant trying to help.

What about GMOs or genetically modified foods? replied Robert. We still dont know if theyre safe in the long term. The European Union makes your industry put that on the labels.

Robert, products with GMOs have helped millions of people survive starvation because they allow farmers to grow more with less. Have you considered that the EU wanted to label GMOs in order create a fictitious monster so their farmers would be able to compete? replied Kayla.

She added, I dont mean to scare you, but the food industry is rapidly adopting new technologies that will help the global food supply. For instance, over the last few years 3-D food printing has rapidly grown. We believe the technology will work by building the end product layer by layer, giving endless possibilities for the shape, texture, composition, and ultimately, taste of food products.

Arent you concerned how this will negatively impact farmers? Robert countered.

Yes, new technologies could replace humans, but it also stands to reduce hunger and the cost of food. Artificial intelligencetype systems are even now helping the industry. For example, one system sorts chickens by their shape, size, color and any other characteristics desired and can manage in excess of 12,000 chickens in one hour. It also uses a camera system that registers deviations like broken wings or poor coloration and learns so as to improve itself.

She turned to Robert and said, What are you doing to help people gain access to what they want and need?