CIE Food unit 4 Factors effecting food choice

Food choices related to ethical and moral beliefs

Many people are concerned about how food is produced and will only choose foods that have been produced by methods they consider to be ethically and morally right

Animal welfare

How well animals are reared and looked after

Fair trade production

Making sure farmers in developing countries are paid fairly for their crops and theri workers live in good conditions

Intensive farming

Use of pesticides
Effects on the environment
Conditions that animals, birds and fish are kept in
Using up lots of land to grow crops and animal feed
Using up natural resources such as water

Genetically modified food

Effects on the environment
Should humans alter food in this way?
It may affect people who have food allergies

Local produce

Few food miles
Supports local producers
Seasonal food
May be cheaper

Organic food production

Grown without use of fertilisers
Virtually no pesticides used
Better for the environment and soil

Food intolerance

A negative reaction to food that doesn't involve the immune system
Can be hard to diagnose
Also called food sensitivity

Symptoms of food intolerance

Constant tiredness and weakness
Muscle and joint aches and pain
Nausea
Pain and bloating (swelling due to fluid or gas) in the abdomen
Diarrhoea
Eczema and dry skin conditions

Lactose intolerance

Lactose is natural sugar in milk
Most people can digest it but others can't, so bacteria in large intestine break it down
This causes bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea
People with lactose intolerance must avoid drinking milk and eating milk products and can buy lactose free dairy products

What is coeliac disease?

An intolerance the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, barley and oats
In the small intestine, villi line the inside and have a large surface area so that lots of nutrients can be absorbed through them into bloodstream
Gluten intolerance causes the villi to become very small and deformed so not enough nutrients are absorbed

Symptoms of coeliac disease

Anaemia due to poor absorption of iron and vitamin C
Lack of energy, tiredness
Weight loss
Diarrhoea
Poor growth in children due to poor absorption of protein, calcium, vitamin A etc
General malnutrition which will affect their ability to fight off infection and develop strong bones

What can people with coeliac disease do?

They must avoid any food containing gluten (wheat, barley, oats and rye) but can eat foods such as almonds, buckwheat, corn (maize), peas, beans, lentils and rice
Many gluten-free food products are available and there are symbols on food labels to indicate this
Food manufacturers are required to place a warning on food labels if gluten is present in the ingredients

Food allergy

A person has a serious reaction to certain food or ingredients in food
Involves the immune system and makes the body produce histamine and other chemicals which lead to a variety of symptoms
Can happen within a few seconds up to a few hours after the food is eaten
Can result in life-threatening symptoms in some people

Symptoms of an allergic reaction

Skin rashes - usually raised, red patches called hives
Itchy skin and eyes
Runny, itchy nose
Wheezing, coughing
Swollen lips, eyelids, face

Anaphylactic shock

Very sudden severe allergic reaction
Symptoms include: swelling of the mouth and throat; not being able to swallow, speak or breathe properly
Can lead to death so person must be given medical treatment quickly

Food allergens

Eggs
Milk
Fish
Crustaceans (crab, shrimp, prawn)
Molluscs (mussels, squid)
Peanuts
Tree nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios)
Sesame seeds and other seeds
Soya
Celery and celeriac
Mustard
Lupin
Sulphur dioxide and sulphites (food preservatives)
Fruits such as kiwi, strawberries, oranges

What should people with a food allergy do?

Avoid eating the food in any form
Pay close attention to food labels, ingredient lists, and medicine labels
The law requires that it is shown clearly on a food label if a food contains a known allergen

What (12) factors might affect food choice?

1. physical activity level
2. celebration/occasion
3. cost of food
4. preferences
5. enjoyment
6. food availability
7. healthy eating
8 income
9. lifestyles
10. seasonability
11. time of day
12. time available to prepare

What do Buddhists not eat?

some Buddhists avoid meat and dairy, some avoid just meat - due to the principle of Ahimsa (non violence)
they also avoid alcohol

What special foods do christian eat at special occasions?

on Shrove Tuesday, the day before lent, pancakes are eaten as they contain many of the foods not allowed during lent such as cream, butter and eggs.
on good Friday some Christians avoid meat. hot cross buns are eaten to remind Christians of the crucifixion of Jesus and the spices that were afterwards put on his body.
on Easter, Easter eggs are eaten to celebrate new life and represent Jesus' empty tomb

What foods can Hindus not eat?

beef because the cow is seen as sacred
onions, garlic, mushrooms, tea and alcohol are avoided because they are thought to affect the search for spiritual enlightenment.

what foods can Muslims not eat?

pork, alcohol are forbidden

Food eaten must also be halal.

What foods can Rastafarians not eat?

pork, fish longer than 30cm, many do not drink alcohol, milk or coffee. dietary rules are called I-tal.

what dietary guidelines do Sikhs follow?

must not drink alcohol

What ethical and moral beliefs might influence food choice?

- animal welfare
- GM food
- organic food
- local produce
- fairtrade

What information is compulsory to have on food labels?

- the name of the product
- a list of ingredients, and the amounts of certain ingredients
- information about the net weight, quantity, or volume of food
- the name or business name and address of the food business operator
- place of origin
- instructions about how to use, prepare or cook the product
- indication of shelf life
- storage conditions and/or conditions for the use of the food product
- any necessary warnings (e.g food allergens, additives or irradiation)

Which nutrients must be shown in 100g or 100ml of a food product?

- energy value
- protein
- fat (total)
- saturated fats
- carbohydrate (total)
- sugars
- salt

How can food be marketed?

- price deals and special offers
- meal deals
- media influences (e.g product placement)
- advertising (e.g ethical marketing)

What factors effect food cost

Increase in population

increase in agricultural cost

increase in fuel cost

change in weather or climate

change in buying habits

15M SMART SHOPPING

• Comparing prices online

• Checking the cost per 100g to ensure they are buying economically

• Choosing supermarket own brand foods instead of branded products

• Looking out for special offers on products

• Planning meals and only buying what is on the list

• Not overbuying food to avoid it going out of date and being wasted

• Buying foods that are on offer and freezing them for use at a later date if not needed

• Collecting coupons or vouchers to reduce the cost of shopping

• Choosing foods that are in season when they are in plentiful supply and at their cheapest

15M COOKING MEALS AT HOME

Using cheaper cuts of meat e.g. braising steak to make a casserole

• Using quick methods of cooking e.g. microwaving to reduce the amount of energy used

• Cooking food in large batches and freezing some for another meal

• Planning meals in advance to allow leftovers from one meal to be used for another

• Making meals at home rather than buying ready meals and take-away meals

Christianity food choices

Fridays fish is eaten

Judaism Food choices

pork and shellfish are forbidden.

other food rules are that meat and poultry must be slaughtered according to kosher laws.

meat and dairy foods must not be eaten together.