Food Tech: Security & Food choice

What is food accessibility?

How much food is available and the reliability of the supply.

Access to wide range of foods because they can afford it or it is produced / traded to their area.

What is the definition of being malnourished?

An unbalanced diet causing their health to suffer. Caused when there is not enough food or too much of a particular nutrient is consumed.

Utilisation - The way the body makes use of the different nutrients in food

What is fairtrade?

Paying sustainable prices for farmers products.

• Ensures farmers and communities hve a more secure income, less poverty

• Money goes towards education and health programmes

• Worker have improved working conditions

• Fairtrade logo - producers have considered the environment, reduced carbon emissions, pest and water management, avoid harmful chemicals

What ethical and environmental issues affect food production?

GMO - Changed genetic structure of the crops, unsure of long term health affects, environment concerns

Food Waste - Because it went out of date, too much was cooked

Carbon footprint / food miles - Reduce by choosing local suppliers, cook fresh meals, use seasonal ingredients, reduce meat consumption

Sustainability - Where it has been grown, processed. Energy consumption.

Benefits of fortified foods

1. Increases nutrient content

2. Reduces deficiency throughout a country

3. Adv for manufacturers because of increased sales

4. Some additives reduce food spoilage

5. Replace nutrients lost during processing

6. Produce product similar to another e.g. Margarine has added Vit A & D to match butter

What are additives & benefits?

Groups of additives are: Preservatives, antioxidants, colours, flavourings, sweeteners, emulsifiers

Natural, nature identical (synthetic), artificial (don’t occur in nature)

• Improve flavour / colour / texture

• Make food safer for longer, prevent spoilage

• Improve nutrients

• Restore characteristics after processing

• DIsguise inferior ingredients (reduces cost)

May be allergic to an additive

Why are Preservatives, antioxidants, colours, flavourings, sweeteners, emulsifiers and thickeners used?

Preservatives - Keeps food saf for longer, longer shelf life

Antioxidants - Prevent fruits browning, stops Fat soluble vits going rancid

Colours - Replace colour lost in processing, Boost colours, attractive

Flavourings - Stronger flavour e.g MSG, replace flavours lost

Sweeteners - Low calorie / reduced sugar drinks and foods

Emulsifiers - Hold oils and water together. Keeps food stable in transport and storage.

Thickeners / Gelling agents - Produce correct consistency.

What are functional foods?

Health promoting benefits above basic nutritional value

Probiotic yoghurts containing naturally occurring bacteria for digestion anf strengthen immune system.

Prebiotics - Carbohydrate which isn’t broken down. Feed the good bacteria in digestive system

Plant sterols and stanols - Reduce absorption of cholesterol from gut.

Phytochemicals / antioxidants - Prevent free radicals harming cells by inhibiting oxidation.

Dishes from different countries

China & India - Rice is a staple

Italy - Pizza, Pasta

Mexico - Tacos, guacamole

Spanish - Paella, Tortilla

Foods eaten because of tradtion

Shrove Tuesday - Pancakes

Easter - Hot cross buns

Diwali (Hindu)- Dhal, curries, samosa

Sabbath (Jewish) - Challah (Type of bread)

What factors influence food choice?

1. Culture

2. Availability

3. Cooking skills / time

4. Religious / moral beliefs

5. Cost

6. Health

How can you reduce cost when preparing food?

1. Cheaper proteins over meat like eggs, pulses

2. Special offers (B1G1F) / price reductions

3. Planning meals, shopping carefully

4. Economical cooking methods

5. Fresh foods, less processed

6. Own brand / cheaper products

7. Loose products can be cheaper than packaged

8. Avoid food waster

Food choices in Buddhism

Typically vegetarian

Food choices in Hinduism

Cow is sacred - no beef

Tend to be vegetarians

Special slaughter method (Jhakta)

Food choices in Sikhism

Mostly vegetarian

No alcohol, tea or coffee

Food choices in Islam

Halal - (allowed)

Haram - Birds with claws, pork, alcohol, caffeine

Special slaughter method to drain blood

Food choices in Rastafarianism

Natural, clean foods, cook with coconut oil

Fish less than 30cm

No pork, alcohol, milk or coffee