Chapter 3 - The Food Supply Flashcards
1 in how many people are food insecure?
1 in 6
Worldwide, how many people are micronutrient deficient, or have “hidden hunger?”
2 billion
Food Insecure
Condition in which the quality, variety, and/or desirability of the diet is reduced and there is difficulty at times providing enough food for everyone in the household
What are the four levels of food security?
high, marginal, low, very low
Poverty Guidelines
Preferred term for federal poverty level; income level calculate each year by the Census Bureau. Used to determine eligibility for many food and nutrition assistance programs.
What percent of the US is at or below the poverty line?
13.2%
At the poverty level, what is the income for a family of 4?
$22,000
How many food and nutrition programs does the USDA have, and what are five of them?
15
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• National School Lunch Program
• School Breakfast Program
• Child and Adult Care Food Program
What percentage of the USDA budget do food and nutrition programs make up?
2/3 → 67%
Subsistence Farmer
Farmer who grows food for the farm family rather than for sale
1 in how many people are involved in farming globally?
1 in 3
Biological Pest Management
Control of agricultural pests b using natural predators, parasites, or pathogens.
ex: ladybugs control aphid infestation
Organic foods must have what percent of their foods meet USDA standards?
95%
What percentage of food in a product must be organic in order for it to be labelled “made with organic?”
70%
Farmers are exempt from the USDA standard labeling rules if they make less than how much in sales?
$5,000
Sustainable Agriculture
Agricultural system that provides a secure living for farm families; maintains the natural environment and resources; supports the rural community; and offer respect and fair treatment to all involved, from farm workers to consumers to the animals raised for food
Recombinant DNA Technology
Test tube technology that rearranges DNA sequences in an organism by cutting the DNA, adding or deleting a DNA sequence, and rejoining DNA molecules using a series of enzymes
Recombinant DNA technology makes what kinds of foods?
genetically engineered foods (formerly GMOs)
GMO Bt in corn does what?
kills caterpillars
GMO rBGH in cows does what?
increases milk production 10-15%
GMO chymosin does what?
makes cheese easier
GM foods are regulated by what three agencies?
USDA, FDA, EPA
What agency said cloned animal products are safe to consume, and what agency has to approve these products before they can be sold?
FDA, USDA
Irradiation uses _________ to extend shelf life of food and control growth of insects and pathogens in food
radiation
Food Additive
Substance added to foods to produce a desired effect, such as preservation or nutritional fortification.
How many food additives are regulated by the FDA?
over 3,000
Food additives can be either _________ or __________, __________ or _________
intentional or incidental; synthetic or natural
What are food additives used for? (3)
- improve freshness and safety
- enhance/maintain color, flavor, or nutritional value
- contribute to functional characteristics (texture, acidity)
Most food additives are either ________ or __________
flavors or flavor enhancers
Natural Food
Food that has undergone minimal processing and doesn’t contain food additives
Food-borne Illness
Sickness caused by the ingestion of food containing pathogenic microorganisms or toxins made by these pathogens
Food borne illnesses are responsible for how many illnesses worldwide?
47.8 million
What populations are most at risk for food borne illnesses?
- those with weakened immune systems
- pregnant women
- lactating mothers
- infants
- young children
- the eldery
What are possible routes for pathogens to infect food/people?
- contamination by feces
- contamination by an infected individual
- cross contamination
What is the “danger zone,” where bacteria grows best?
41 degrees F to 135 degrees F
Noroviruses and rotaviruses are also called what?
the stomach flu
What are two common types of parasites?
protozoa (single-celled animal)
helminths (worms)
Prion
Protein involved in maintaining nerve cell function. Prions can become infectious and lead to diseases, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease)
Mold
Type of fungus that grows best in warm, dark, moist environments. Some molds produce toxins (mycotoxins) that cause illness when ingested by humans
Mycotoxin
Toxic compound produced by molds, such as aflatoxin B-1, found on moldy grains
Aflatoxin
Mycotoxin found in peanuts, corn, tree nuts, and oilseeds that can cause liver cancer
Ciguatera Toxin
Seafood toxin that causes gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, and respiratory symptoms. Most common in large fish from tropical waters
(Paralytic) Shellfish Poisoning
Paralysis caused by eating shellfish contaminated with dinoflagellates (algae)
Natural Toxins
Naturally occurring toxins in foods, especially plants. Rarely cause disease in humans.
Solanine
Toxin, produced in potatoes, that increases when potatoes are stored in a brightly lit environment; causes gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.
What are some threats to water safety?
- agricultural runoff
- inappropriate disposal of chemicals
- municipal solid waste leaking into waterways
- inadequate treatment of human wastes
- pollution from boats and ships
How many water-related outbreaks occur annually in the US?
30
What are some ways to prevent food borne or water borne illnesses? (6)
- select and purchase foods carefully
- avoid unsafe food and water
- practice good personal hygiene
- keep a clean kitchen
- handle food safely
- keep foods out of danger zone and cook appropriately
What are the 6 environmental contaminants?
- lead
- dioxins
- mercury
- polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- pesticides
- antibiotics
How many pesticides are allowed by the EPA?
10,000
What are the two classes of pesticides?
synthetic pesticides and biopesticides
What percent of the US’s antibiotics are used to promote animal growth and prevent/treat animal disease?
60-80%
