Food-Related Consumer Issues

Question 1

Genetically modified foods

Answer 1

foods possessing desired characteristics as a result of genetic manipulation

Question 2

3 genetically modified crops

Answer 2

1. soya beans
2. corn
3. cotton

Question 3

GM

Answer 3

Genetically Modified

Question 4

Advantages of GM crops

Answer 4

1. crops can be more pest- and herbicide resistant
2. crops can be resistant to diseases and unfavourable conditions
3. crop yields can improve
4. products are cheaper due to lower production costs
5. crops can be more nutritious

Question 5

Disadvantages of GM crops

Answer 5

1. products can cause allergic reactions
2. the effect of transferred genes in other products is unclear
3. transferred genes could have negative impacts on other organisms
4. through consumption, people could become resistant to antibiotics
5. there are ethical questions about transferring genes

Question 6

Organically produced foods

Answer 6

food produced through agricultural methods that sustain the health and productivity of the ecosystem without the use of chemicals

Question 7

features of organic food production

Answer 7

• based on crop rotation and environmentally friendly practices
• makes use of recycled organic material ie. compost
• natural pesticides are used
• no runoff of chemicals into water = cleaner water

Question 8

Advantages of organically produced foods

Answer 8

1. products are produced without use of chemicals or fertilisers
2. the food tastes better
3. plants are more resistant to disease, pests and drought
4. less pollution
5. more employment opportunities available

Question 9

Disadvantages of organically produced foods

Answer 9

1. food produced is more expensive
2. products have a shorter shelf life
3. farming is time consuming and labour intensive
4. appearance of food is not perfect
5. shortage of locally produced organic products

Question 10

Food Irradiation

Answer 10

when foods are treated with very short light and radio waves that penetrate the food and kill harmful organisms and insects

Question 11

Advantages of food irradiation

Answer 11

1. food borne diseases and spoilage is prevented
2. it delays or stops the normal ripening or rotting processes = longer shelf life
3. sprouting of bulbs and roots in veg is prevented = less waste
4. insects and bacteria on/in imported and exported foods are destroyed
5. makes food last longer = less waste

Question 12

Disadvantages of food irradiation

Answer 12

1. insufficient/ long term irradiation could lead to harmful microorganisms becoming resistant
2. food products become more expensive after irradiation
3. it reduced or destroys certain vitamins (eg. vit C, E)
4. it does not destroy all harmful microorganisms