Unit 2 - safe storage of food

Question 1

what does safe food storage do?

Answer 1

• preserve sensory properties – colour, flavor texture
• Maintain nutritional value
• delay enzyme action the causes ripening an decomposition
• protect food from spoilage from environmental factors
• protect food from contamination

Question 2

what are perishable foods?

Answer 2

Perishable foods are foods that are likely to spoil or become unsafe to eat if it is not consumed within a short time after purchase or incorrectly stored

Question 3

what are some characteristics of perishable foods?

Answer 3

Tends to be fresh, moist foods
(fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods)

Question 4

storage methods of perishable foods?

Answer 4

Usually, lasts less than 7 days for example fresh meat lasts 5 days in cold storage.

(Kept in cold storage 0-4 degrees - freezer)

Question 5

what are semi-perishable foods

Answer 5

Can last longer than perishable foods due to lower water content which slows microbe and enzyme activity

Question 6

characteristics and examples of semi-perishable foods?

Answer 6

Lower water content slowing the enzymic and microbe action. Most have a “best before date” after this date food can lose some of it’s quality. e.g., Potato, onions, ginger, biscuits

Question 7

storage methods of semi-perishable foods?

Answer 7

Some require refrigeration of 4 degrees or below while others require dry cold storage

Question 8

what are non-perishable foods?

Answer 8

Foods that does not spoil quickly even when stored at room temperature due to very low water content.

Question 9

characteristics/examples of non-perishable foods

Answer 9

Most are dried foods that are packaged. If opened it is then more at risk of food spoilage e.g., beans, butter, coffee, honey, powdered milk,

Question 10

storage methods of non-perishable foods

Answer 10

Due to the nature of packaging, storage is lenient. May need a cool area depending on the packaging

Question 11

what is a dry storage method

Question 12

what is a cold storage method

Answer 12

(0-4 degrees) Storage of Perishable Foods in a Refrigerator

Cold storage, encompassing free-standing refrigerators, walk-in cool rooms, refrigerated food display cabinets, and refrigerated trucks, is ideal for perishable and semi-perishable foods.

Question 13

what is a freezing storage method

Answer 13

A freezer can store and maintain food quality for three to twelve months by holding it at cold temperatures below -18°C, converting water into ice.