Sample Paper Noted

Question 1

What are some production techniques and their purposes

Answer 1

Aseptic filling - avoid inclusion of harmful microorganisms
Chilling - preserve growth of harmful microorganisms
Heat processing- to kill harmful microorganisms
Preservation and packaging- prolong shelf life and prevent spoilage.

Question 2

Name engineering disciplines that contribute to food production

Answer 2

Mechanical engineering
Packaging engineering
Manufacturing engineering
Maintenance engineering
Electrical engineering
Heating and ventilation engineering
Refrigeration engineering
Automation engineering

Question 3

What’s the difference between ready to eat and ready to cook products

Answer 3

Ready to eat
- eaten as it is
- doesn’t need to be cooked
- no further preparation needed; safe for consumption
Ready to cook
- cannot be eaten as it is
- must be cooked
- must be cooked to specific temp to kill any microbes

Question 4

What are some considerations when selecting packaging material

Answer 4

• shelf life expectancy
• cooking or storing instructions
• robust packaging to protect integrity of the food, be stored and transported effectively without damage
• can be cooked or heated in packaging

Question 5

What are some characteristics of packaging

Answer 5

• moisture resistant
• doesn’t leach into product
• tolerant of heat
• strength to withstand force such as pressure of mechanical impact
• avoids air ingress/ escape
• elastic or flexible

Question 6

What are some examples of food packaging

Answer 6

• plastic bags
• plastic pots
• aluminium foil
• paper
• cardboard

Question 7

What are some sealing methods of packaging

Answer 7

• heat seal
• ultrasonic seal
• pressure
• adhesive
• folding/capping

Question 8

Why is plastic frequently used for food packaging

Answer 8

Safety
- durable material
- shatterproof
Hygiene
- stops food contamination
- stop allergens form mixing or viruses transferring
Other
- Lightweight,
- easy and cost effective for transport
Recycling
- recyclable and biodegradable
Shelf life
- extend shelf life reducing cost to customers
- reduce food waste
Availability
- widely available
- keep up with demand

Question 9

What are some issues that can arise from automated flat pack cardboard box erectors that would need engineering intervention

Answer 9

• moisture ingress
• size discrepancies
• poor finish
• misshapen cardboard
• poorly define folding points
• cardboard too rigid to form a shape

Question 10

How can being environmentally help a reputation

Answer 10

Good reputation and being environmentally friendly can help win tenders/ new business

Question 11

Metal composition: what two metals are added to iron to make stainless steel

Answer 11

Nickel and chromium

Question 12

Metal composition: which metal is added to 316 stainless steel to make it resistant to corrosion

Answer 12

Molybdenum

Question 13

Which common food/ substance is 316 more resistant to

Answer 13

Salt or salt water

Question 14

What are some reasons as to why stainless steel is used as a work surface in good contact production

Answer 14

• non-porous
• doesn’t degrade
• can be welded
• acidic resistant
• resistant to heat distortion
• corrosion resistant
• easily cleaned
• impact resistant/ robust

Question 15

What are some different food and drink processing techniques?

Answer 15

Aseptic filling:
- filling of juices
- soups
- liquid

Heat processing:
- baking
- frying
- boiling (CQC)
- steam

Chilling:
- direct expansion systems
- ammonia systems
- liquid nitrogen

Preservation and packaging:
- high pressure processing (HPP)
- sterilisation
- pasteurisation
- modified atmosphere (MAP)
- packaging to suit the above processes
- ultra high temperature (UHT)