Study Guide Answers
Factors that Influence Food Choice a. Taste – The highest motivation for food selection; defined by sensory properties detectable in foods. b. Cost – The second most important influence; food price can be a major barrier and varies by income level. c. Convenience – College students, for example, may have limited access to grocery stores and cooking facilities. d. Self-expression – People may choose foods based on regional associations or ethnic identity. e. Physical and Spiritual Well-being – Factors such as age, gender, and health impact food choices; religious beliefs also play a role (e.g., dietary restrictions in Judaism, Islam, Mormonism, and Buddhism). f. Religion and Culture – Different religions have specific dietary laws and traditions, such as kosher, halal, or fasting periods.
5 Senses and Food Evaluation
Sight: First impression of food, influenced by color, shape, and presentation.
Odor: Volatile compounds affect food perception.
Taste: Detected by taste buds on the tongue, soft palate, and esophagus.
Touch: Texture, consistency, and mouthfeel play a role.
Hearing: The sound of food (e.g., crunchiness) can impact preference.
Types of Taste Receptors
Sour: Detected by acids.
Salty: Detects ionized salts like NaCl.
Bitter: Identifies phenols, theobromine, caffeine, and alkaloids.
Sweet: Responds to hexose ring sugars.
Umami: Enhances flavors using glutamate, found in protein-rich foods.
Oleogustus: Detects fat content.
Locations: Taste buds are found on the tongue, esophagus, epiglottis, soft palate, and pharynx.
Supertasters
About 25% of the population are supertasters with heightened sensitivity, particularly to bitter flavors.
More common in women; may avoid cruciferous vegetables.
Definitions & Characteristics
Palatability: The pleasure provided by food.
Organoleptics: Evaluation of food using the senses.
Flavor: Combination of taste, odor, and mouthfeel.
Texture: Describes mouthfeel characteristics like chewiness or viscosity.
Viscosity: Thickness of a liquid or semi-solid food.
Subjective & Objective Evaluations of Foods
Subjective: Sensory tests such as hedonic, triangle, and paired comparison.
Objective: Lab-based measurements like viscosity tests.
TCS Foods
Time and temperature control foods require careful handling to prevent pathogen growth.
Includes dairy, poultry, seafood, cooked rice, and meats.
Major Causes of Foodborne Illness a. Physical – Foreign objects like glass, wood, and hair. b. Chemical – Contaminants like pesticides and metal reactions. c. Biological – Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. d. Radiological – Contamination from radioactive materials.
Pathogens Discussed in Class
Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Norovirus, Clostridium botulinum, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter jejuni, Vibrio vulnificus.
Methods to Control Foodborne Illness
Clean: Wash hands and surfaces.
Separate: Avoid cross-contamination.
Chill: Store food at correct temperatures.
Cook: Ensure proper internal temperatures.
Food Danger Zone: 40-140°F for consumers; 40-135°F for retailers.
HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
A model to identify, monitor, and control food contamination risks.
FATTOM (Conditions for Pathogen Growth)
Food: High protein foods.
Acid: Slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Time: Rapid pathogen multiplication.
Temperature: 40-140°F danger zone.
Oxygen: Some pathogens require oxygen; others thrive without it.
Moisture: Needed for bacterial growth.
Nutrients & Chemical Composition
Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides, disaccharides, starch, fiber.
Proteins: Amino acids, peptide bonds.
Lipids/Fats: Saturated, trans, unsaturated fats.
Vitamins & Minerals: Essential for body functions.
Water: Vital for metabolism and hydration.
Calorie Values for Macronutrients
Carbohydrates: 4 kcal/g.
Protein: 4 kcal/g.
Lipids/Fats: 9 kcal/g.
Nutrient Density
Foods rich in nutrients relative to their calorie content (e.g., fruits, vegetables, whole grains).
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Published every five years.
MyPlate emphasizes balanced food group intake.
Government Agencies & Responsibilities
FDA: Regulates food safety and labeling.
CDC: Monitors foodborne illnesses.
USDA: Inspects and grades meat, poultry, and eggs.
EPA: Regulates pesticides.
Organic & Bioengineered Foods
Organic: Produced without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
Bioengineered (BE): Genetically modified for enhanced traits.
How to Read & Interpret a Food Label
Ingredients listed by weight.
Serving size and nutrient content.
Food Label Contents & Purpose i. Nutrient Content Claim: Highlights nutritional benefits (e.g., "low fat"). ii. Health Claims: Shows a food’s relationship to health (e.g., "may reduce heart disease"). iii. Structure/Function Claims: Describes how a nutrient affects the body (e.g., "calcium builds strong bones").