• by Lisa Bertagnoli , November 17, 2006

"Fast Food Nation," the film adaptation of journalist Eric Schlosser's best-selling nonfiction book of the same name, opens in theaters nationwide today. And if fast-food chains are preparing for any kind of consumer pushback, they're not saying.

Calls placed Thursday morning to media departments at Burger King, Wendy's, Jack in the Box, Hardee's and Carl's Jr. asking for comment regarding the film were not returned. McDonald's media relations department responded with an e-mailed statement:

"McDonald's on Fast Food Nation Movie: The movie is Hollywood fiction. Whatever happens in the fictionalized movie restaurant called Mickey's doesn't reflect the real world at McDonald's. To see the real McDonald's, please go to: McDonalds.com. To see the real world of America's food and the people who produce it, go to: bestfoodnation.com."

Bestfoodnation.com is a Web site set up this past May in response to "Chew On This," a children's version of "Fast Food Nation" written by Schlosser and journalist Charles Wilson. Sponsored by 18 food- and agriculture-related associations and foundations, the Web site says it "offers the facts about the U.S. food supply, which is among the safest, most affordable and most abundant food supplies in the world." The site also invites visitors to click on the smiling faces of 18 food-industry workers to "hear their story of Best Food Nation."

Best Food Nation supporters include the American Meat Institute, Corn Refiners Association, Food Products Association, International Franchise Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Council of Chain Restaurants, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council, National Potato Council, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation, National Turkey Federation, Snack Food Association, U.S. Potato Board and United Egg Producers.

A Bestfoodnation.com media person did not return a phone call seeking comment.