Plot Synopsis

ROTTEN is a one-hour docuseries that travels deep into the heart of the food supply chain to reveal unsavory truths, exposing a food industry in crisis, where fraud is rampant, profits reign supreme, and small farms struggle to get by. In a world where huge global supply chains are increasingly intertwined and consolidated, this series starts on the dinner plate and follows the money to the shocking consequences -- intended or not -- of regulation, innovation and greed. On Friday, January 5, 2018 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT, Netflix released the entire six episode series:

"Lawyers, Guns and Honey": Explores the new global honey business, and largest food fraud investigation and prosecution in history -- a scam known as Honeygate.

"The Peanut Problem": In the last twenty years, there's been a surge of people suffering from severe food allergies. A look at the swelling body of science around this change, and the accountability of restaurateurs in caring for their most vulnerable customers.

"Garlic Breath": A lucrative and controversial commerce relationship between the U.S. and China forms the backdrop for a David-and-Goliath tale of loyalty, betrayal and revenge on the American garlic scene.

"Big Bird": From the lowliest hen to the richest magnate, the size and scale of chicken-growing has determined the fate of every player in this expansive food chain.

"Milk Money": To boost profits, some dairy farmers are switching to produce upscale organic milk, or even "raw" unpasteurized milk, but it comes with the risk of pathogens which can sicken and even kill consumers.

"Cod Is Dead": In the wake of overfishing in New England, the US government stepped in to regulate and save the fisheries. The unintended result was a wave of consolidation that set the stage for massive criminal exploitation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The second season of ROTTEN premiered on Friday, October 4, 2019 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT, as Netflix released the entire six-episode season:

"The Avocado War": The avocado's rise from culinary fad to must-have superfood has made it a lucrative crop -- and a magnet for money-hungry cartels.

"Reign of Terroir": In the south of France, frustrated winegrowers go to extremes to stave off cheap imports from Spain and new competition from China.

"Troubled Water": The explosive growth of the bottled water industry has driven corporations to dip into public water supplies and left vulnerable citizens thirsty.

"A Sweet Deal": Exploited workers, altered ecosystems, political power plays: Behind the scenes, Big Sugar is anything but refined.

"Bitter Chocolate": For much of the world, chocolate is pure pleasure. But the long journey from bean to bar is packed with misery. Can an upstart company turn the tide?

"High on Edibles": New marijuana laws have sparked a surge in edible goodies, but this fast-changing foodscape comes with risks for consumers.