Ch. 12 and 13: Food Security and Safety Flashcards
How many people are undernourished?
1 in 8 people
How many people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies?
2 billion people
How many people are estimated to be overweight or obese by the WHO?
Around 1.4 billion people
What can occue when energy intake is low?
Physical and mental activity declines and death rates rise
What is food insecurity?
It’s the lack of access to foods for active and healthy lifestyles
How prevalent is food insecurity in America?
It effects around 15% of the population
What programs assist food insecurity?
SNAP, National School Lunch Program, Meals on Wheels, and Food banks/pantries
How many individuals in the world are involved in farming?
1 in 3 people (Less than 1% in the US)
What are two main ways to increase shelf life?
Food preservation and food irradiation
What are incidental food additives? Which ones are safe and which ones aren’t?
They are additives that become part of foods from cultivation, processing, packaging, and storage. Pesticides and aersenic is safe, while Bisphenol A isn’t.
What are foodborne illnesses and which foods are most susceptible to them?
They are illnesses caused by eating foods containing harmful pathogens or toxins. It seems to be most common with fruits and poultry.
What are pathogens and bacteria? How do they contaminate food?
The are simple celled organisms that can contaminate foods. They can be found in foods if food preparation is poor.
What are toxins? What foods contain harmful toxins?
They are poisonous compounds produced by an organism that can cause disease. Plants contain natural toxins.
What are the best ways to prevent foodborne illnesses?
Have good personal and kitchen hygiene, prepare foods properly, and avoid cross-contamination by separating foods
What are the common sources of environmental contaminants?
Lead, dioxins, mercury, antibiotics, and pesticides
How does consuming lead effect the body?
It damages every organ in the body, which may impair coordination and growth
How does consuming dioxins effect the body?
It causes liver and nerve damage, which increases your risk of cancer and has adverse effects on reproduction.
How does consuming mercury effect the body?
It can cause nerve damage, fatigue, and lessen your learning abilities
How are pesticides regulated?
They are regulated by the EPA, FDA, and USDA. They test foods and set limits.
How can we reduce exposure to pesticides?
By washing and peeling fruits and vegetables and trimming fat from meat
How are GMO’s created?
Through adding external genes into the DNA of the organism.
Why are GMOs used in foods?
Because it helps increase herbicide tolerance and insect resistence, as well as increasing nutrient content.
How are GMOs regulated?
They are regulated by the FDA, USDA, and EPA.
What are potential benefits to GMO consumption?
Increased vitamin/phytochemical content, improved taste, and decreased use of pesticides.
What are potential risks to GMO consumption?
Extinction of natural organisms, genetic changes can be harmful, and some proteins are allergenic in some people.
What is allowed in organic foods? Disallowed?
Biological pest management, composting, manure applications; antibiotics, genetic engineering, and irradiation
What does it mean when a food is considered “organic”?
It means that 95% or more of the ingredients (by weight) do not use unnatural methods of production, such as chemical fertilizers
What does it mean when a food is considered “made with organic ingredients”?
It means that only 70% of the ingredients must be organic
Why do some people choose to eat organic?
Not only does it support sustainable agriculture, but it also reduces their pesticide intake and improves their nutritional quality.
