convenience food

Question 1

what are the different types of convenience foods? (2) +examples

Answer 1

1. Ready-To-Eat. Can be eaten straight from the package or does not require any form of heating up before consumption. Eg. potato chips, canned tuna
2. Ready-To-Cook. Need to be heated up before consuming. Eg. Frozen pizza, instant noodles, pasta.

Question 2

bottled / canned foods? (1)

Answer 2

1. Heat treated or cooked before being sealed into sterilised bottles/ cans. Then heated to kill microorganisms. Unopened bottle/ canned for food can last for 2-4 years without spoilage.

Question 3

dried food? (1) + example

Answer 3

1. water removed frm the food. Low moisture in the food prevents growth of microorganisms = prevents food spoilage.

Eg. Dried shiitake mushroom, ikan bilis, milk powder, instant noodles and dried fruits

Question 4

frozen/ chilled food? (3) + examples

Answer 4

1. Can be raw, partially cooked or fully cooked. Some can be eaten straight after thawing and some needs some cooking.
2. When food is frozen, water in food becomes ice crystals which meant there’s isn’t water for microorganisms to thrive.
3. Chilled food at temps of 4c and below causes microbial activity to slow down.
   Eg. Fish balls, ham

Question 5

explain advantages of convenience food. (7)

Answer 5

1. Wide variety.
2. Does not require much time or effort to prepare.
3. Can be used in times of emergency.
4. Useful for serving unexpected guests.
5. Longer shelf life than fresh food.
6. Less food wastage than fresh as entire product is edible.
7. May have nutrients replenished or added.

Question 6

explain disadvantages of convenience food (5)

Answer 6

1. Mayb be more exp than fresh due to processing and packaging.
2. Texture may not be desirable when processed.
3. May contain high amounts of salt, sugar and fats as compared to fresh foods.
4. May have decreased nutritive value due to nutrient loss during heat processing.
5. May contain additives that are harmful to health.

Question 7

state types of information found on food and nutrition food labels.

Answer 7

Mandatory:
1. Product name
2. Ingredients listing
3. Country of origin

Other info:
1. Nutritional claims
2. Nutritional information panel
3. Symbols and labels