Technological developments to support better health and food Production Flashcards
Fortification
Fortification is the process of adding nutrients to foods to improve public health.
Examples of fortified foods:
✔ Flour – Fortified with iron, calcium, thiamine (B1), and niacin (B3) in the UK.
✔ Breakfast cereals – Fortified with B vitamins and iron.
✔ Margarine and spreads – Fortified with vitamin D to prevent rickets.
✔ Milk – Sometimes fortified with vitamin D and calcium.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fortification
✔ Advantages:
• Helps prevent nutrient deficiencies.
• Improves overall public health.
• Fortification does not significantly alter taste or texture.
✖ Disadvantages:
• People may rely on fortified foods instead of eating a balanced diet.
• Some fortified foods (e.g., cereals) can be high in sugar.
• Excess consumption may cause overdosing on certain vitamins (e.g., too much vitamin A is toxic)
Use of Additives
Additives are substances added to food to improve flavour, texture, appearance, and shelf life.
Types of Additives
✔ Preservatives – Prevent bacterial growth, increasing shelf life.
• Example: Salt in cured meats, vinegar in pickles.
✔ Colourings – Enhance the appearance of food.
• Example: Beta-carotene (natural orange pigment in carrots).
✔ Flavourings and Sweeteners – Improve taste.
• Example: Aspartame (artificial sweetener in sugar-free drinks).
✔ Emulsifiers and Stabilisers – Help mix ingredients that usually separate (e.g., oil and water).
• Example: Lecithin in mayonnaise.
✔ Thickeners – Improve texture and consistency.
• Example: Cornflour in soups.
✔ Antioxidants – Prevent food from going rancid by stopping oxidation.
• Example: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in fruit juices.
New and Emerging Foods
Technological advancements have led to new types of food that aim to be healthier and more sustainable.
✔ Examples:
• Plant-based protein alternatives (e.g., Quorn, soya-based foods).
• Lab-grown meat (cultured from animal cells).
• Insect protein (high in nutrients and more sustainable).
• Genetically Modified (GM) foods (altered DNA for better yield and resistance).
Probiotics and Prebiotics
✔ Probiotics – Live bacteria that improve gut health.
• Found in yoghurt, kefir, and fermented foods.
✔ Prebiotics – Fibres that feed beneficial gut bacteria.
• Found in onions, garlic, bananas, and whole grains.
