The Kansas City Public Library hosts food policy expert Marion Nestle for a presentation called Red Scare: China and the New Global Food System on Wednesday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Truman Forum at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St.

This illustrated presentation details the far-reaching effects of the new global food system and uncovers unexpected connections between food supplies for pets, farm animals, and humans. As detailed in her new book Pet Food Politics: The Chihuahua in the Coal Mine, Nestle traces tainted pet food ingredients back to their source in China, precipitating the largest recall of consumer products in U.S. history in 2007. What began as a problem “merely” for cats and dogs soon became an issue of tremendous concern to everyone.

Nestle is a professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University. A former policy adviser in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, her current research focuses on the scientific, economic, and social influences on food choice.

The event is co-sponsored by KC Healthy Kids, a charitable foundation focused on promoting fit and healthy kids in Greater Kansas City. Pet Food Politics will be available for sale, and the author will sign copies purchased during the event.