We all know about the chewing gum company Wrigley. Right? A soap and baking soda company that gave away chewing gum as a promotional item. The promotional product became so popular that it turned into a global business. Some of you may not realize that Wrigley was sold to Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway and Mars companies for $23 billion in 2008. No longer the iconic World War II product that was associated with the GIs.

Mega acquisitions of iconic companies is not too surprising. But if I were to tell you that some of the wholesome product companies like Burt’s Bees was owned by Clorox? How about Stoneyfield by the French giant Danone? I think that you will be surprised at the number of so called healthy and organic brands that are owned by multinational giants. Is this bad news for you? Why? Read on.

I found a good resource that sheds a "healthy light" on these types of companies and other health related issues at Mercola.com At this site, you can spend sometime to research the ownership structure of some of your favorite healthy foods. You can also learn about ways to find local alternatives to some of these food items and products.

What was surprising to me was to find out that "Horizon Organic milk was bought out by the largest dairy company in the U.S., Dean Foods, in 2005." Also, "Odwalla is now owned by Coca-Cola." I am not against large corporations, but mega food and drug companies are accused of manipulating the US government and the system. There is a revolving door between the large companies and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many of the corporate executives switch careers multiple times between food companies and the FDA. This system of cozy relationship makes me nervous and uncomfortable at the least.

I borrowed the following chart from Mercola.com and it was prepared by Professor Phil Howard of Michigan State University. Enjoy reading through it.