CONSUMERISM AND PURCHASING OF FOOD

Section 6

What is ‘bulk shopping’?

Bulk shopping refers to purchasing large quantities of items, typically at a lower price per unit, intended to reduce costs and minimize shopping frequency.

Who is a consumer?

A consumer is an individual or entity that purchases goods or services for personal use, rather than for resale.

What is ‘credit’ as it relates to consumerism?

The ability to purchase goods or services with borrowed money, which must be paid back with interest over time. It allows consumers to buy now and pay later, typically through credit cards or loans.

What is co-operative shopping?

Co-operative shopping involves purchasing goods or services collectively, usually through a cooperative organization, to benefit from lower prices and improved product selection.

What is comparative shopping?

The process of comparing products or services to determine the best buy in terms of price, quality, and features before making a purchase.

Who is a ‘green consumer’?

A green consumer is a person who prioritizes environmentally friendly products and sustainable practices in their purchasing decisions.

What is gross weight?

Gross weight refers to the total weight of a product, including its packaging and any additional materials.

What is impulse buying?

Impulse buying refers to the purchasing of items by a consumer spontaneously/without advanced planning.

What is unit pricing?

Unit pricing refers to the price of a product or service expressed per a standard unit of measurement.

What is a Universal Product Code (UPC)?

A Universal Product code is a barcode that uniquely identifies a product. It is used to track inventory and facilitate sales in retail stores.

State 3 details that a UPC provides

Manufacturer’s information

Brief product description

Price

Inventory Details

What is consumer education?

Consumer education is the process of informing a public about their rights and responsibilities as consumers, helping them make informed purchasing decisions.

List 4 rights of a consumer

1. The right to safety - Healthy environment

2. The right to be informed - Accurate information

3. The right to choose - representation

4. The right to be heard - Obtaining redress

List 3 responsibilities of a consumer

1. To use products safely - ensuring proper use

2. To provide truthful information - sharing accurate personal data

3. To seek redress - advocating for complaints or issues with products.

4. To provide reviews

5. To exercise informed choosing

6. To be responsible for their purchases - weighing the consequences of buying decisions.

What is the role of the Consumer Affairs Division?

The Consumer Affairs Division is responsible for protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair trade practices. It monitors businesses to enforce consumer protection laws and provides resources to assist consumers with complaints.

What is the primary role of the Bureau of Standards?

To ensure a high standard or a specific standard is met by all products and services, verifying quality and safety through regulation and testing.

The Weight and Measures Division is concerned with?

Ensuring the accuracy of measurements and weights used in commerce, promoting fairness in trading.

How do personal reasons influence a person’s purchases?

• Teenagers, adults, and elderly people often buy different products.

• A person's job influences what they need or can afford.

• Interests, hobbies, and daily routines play a role.

• Income level affects buying power and preferences.

• People often buy products that reflect their identity.

How can psychological factors influence a person’s purchases?

Psychological factors, such as

Motivation: Needs (basic or psychological) that drive a person to make a purchase.

Perception: How a consumer interprets information and forms an opinion about a product.

Learning: Past experiences can shape future buying decisions.

Beliefs and Attitudes: A consumer’s values and opinions affect how they view products, perception, beliefs, and attitudes, significantly influence consumer behavior. These factors can affect preferences for certain products and overall purchasing decisions.

List 4 types of factors that influence an individual’s purchases

1. Personal Factors

2. Psychological Factors

3. Social Factors

4. Cultural Factors

State some guidelines for preparing a food budget

• Shop in reasonably priced supermarkets/stores

• Compare unit prices to save money

• Look for discounts and sales

• Shop in bulk when possible

• Plan meals ahead of time to minimize waste

State 2 features to look for/avoid when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables

1. Look for firmness, crispiness and good colour

2. There should be no signs of bruising, decaying or discolouration, worm injury or wilting

3. Leaves should not be yellowed

State 3 guidelines that can be followed to make more economic choices when purchasing fresh meat and poultry

1. Buying less tender cuts of meat is cheaper

2. Choosing ground meats can save money and still provide nutritional value.

3. Buy on a cost per serving basis rather than a cost per pound basis

4. Liver and organ meats are good value

5. Whole poultry is ready to cook and more economical

State 3 guidelines that can be followed to make good choices when purchasing fresh fish

1. Look for firm flesh, bright and bulging eyes, and red gills

2. Skin should be shiny

3. Free of any off odors.

4. Flesh should be firm to the touch

5. Shellfish should be alive or fresh, with a clean shell and no strong odor.

State 3 guidelines that can be followed to make good choices when purchasing frozen meat, poultry and fish

1. Ensure the product is fully frozen

2. Check that packaging is intact without any tears or ice crystals.

3. Look for a sell-by date that is current or future.

4. Choose products that show no signs of freezer burn.

5. Avoid meat,fish/poultry with signs of discolouration

State 3 guidelines that can be followed to make good choices when purchasing egg

1. Choose eggs with clean, uncracked, rough shells.

2. Check the expiration or sell-by date for freshness.

3. Choose appropriate sizes based on your needs, such as large or extra-large.

State 3 guidelines that can be followed to make good choices when purchasing breads, cakes, cookies

1. Check the sell-by and best before dates

2. Look for well sealed packaging

3. Ensure there are signs of freshness - aroma, softness (depending on type)

Fresh fish should not be refrigerated for more than __ days

2

Poultry should not be frozen for more than ____ months

three

State 2 guidelines to follow when storing poultry

1. Fresh poultry should be refrigerated immediately after purchased and used within 2 days

2. Remove store wrapping before storing and replace w, wax paper or saran wrap

3. If the whole bird is not required, cut into portions and freeze them

State 3 guidelines to follow when storing meat

1. Refrigerate meat at 40 degrees farenheit for no more than 2 days.

2. Store meat in a meat draw in the refrigerator or on the highest shelf

3. Meat which is to be kept for longer then one or two days should be frozen

4. Use airtight containers or wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

5. It is best to store meat in portions

6. Defrosted meat should not be refrozen

7. Frozen meat can be kept longer than 3 months in a deep freezer

What part of the refrigerator stores fresh fruits and vegetables?

The crisper drawer, designed to maintain proper humidity and temperature for fresh produce.

State 3 guidelines to follow when storing fruits for short periods

Ripe fruits stored for short periods should be wrapped and put in a covered container/placed in a cool temperature/set apart from those already rotting

Unripe fruits should be kept at room temp and refrigerated when ripe

State 3 guidelines to follow when storing fruits for LONG periods

1. Remove water by dehydration

2. Cook and bottle in syrup

3. Make jam and jellies

4. Freeze

State an appropriate place for storing cereals, dried herbs & spices etc,.

A cool, dry pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight.

How should dairy products & fats and oils be stored before opening?

Keep them Cold, Clean and Covered in the refrigerator or appropriate cool storage

How should dairy products & fats and oils be stored AFTER opening?

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. (Usually in original packaging)

Label the parts A-G

A - Chuck

B - Rib

C - Short Loin

D - Sirloin

E - Round

F - Brisket

G - Flank

Where is the ‘Ham’ located in a pig

The ham is located in the hind leg of the pig, specifically the rear quarter.

What is poultry?

Poultry refers to domesticated birds that are raised for their meat, eggs, etc. This includes chicken, ducks, pigeons and turkey.

List 4 market forms of poultry

• Thigh

• Drumstick

• Breasts

• Wings

• Whole Leg

• Whole Bird

State 4 market forms of fish

1. Fillet

2. Drawn Fish - entrails removed

3. Whole Fish - freshly caught

4. Steak - crossed section of dressed fish

5. Butterfly Fillet - two boneless sides cut away

6. Cutlets

7. Dressed Fish - head, tail, entrails, fins removed

What are the two categories of fish?

Finfish and Shellfish

List 3 market forms of milke

Dried, Sweetened/Condensed, Evaporated, Reconstituted

List the THREE market forms of eggs

Dried, Liquid and Whole

What does the ‘sell by’ date do?

Tells stores how long to display the product

What is a health claim?

A statement that links food/nutrient to a reduced risk of a disease or health condition. They are based on scientific guidelines and are used to guide consumers to make healthy choices

List 2 health claims that can be made on a product about sugar

‘sugar free’ ‘no added sugar’ ‘reduced sugar’

Differentiate between the terms ‘enriched’ and ‘fortified’

A food is enriched when the nutrients lost during processing are added back to the end product while fortifying is adding extra nutrients to a product whether it originally had it or not.