Technological Developments

Question 1

What are functional foods?

Answer 1

Foods that have been developed to contain ingredients that can have a positive effect on consumers health if eaten as part of a healthy, balanced diet

Question 2

Benefit of probiotic yoghurt drinks

Answer 2

• Can help to maintain a healthy gut as they contain good bacteria that helps to digest food
• They can boost immune system and prevent constipation

Question 3

Benefits of plant based spreads

Answer 3

• Clinically proven to lower LDL cholesterol in the blood, reducing the risk of CHD

Question 4

Benefit of fortified cereals and breads

Answer 4

• Have extra vitamins and minerals added to them and make them healthier
• Calcium and iron are added to white bread and cereal

Question 5

Advantage of functional foods

Answer 5

• Can prevent nutritional deficiencies and protect against disease and promote proper growth and development

Question 6

Disadvantages of functional foods

Answer 6

• Consumers may over-rely on functional foods instead of consuming foods that have the same benefits
• Must be eaten in a fairly large quantity and on a long-term basis to improve health
• Expensive

Question 7

What is Modified Atmosphere Packaging?

Answer 7

When manufacturers can change the gasses inside the packaging to reduce oxygen levels and replace it with CO2 and nitrogen

Question 8

Advantages of MAP

Answer 8

• Extended shelf life of fresh foods
• Reduces growth of micro-organisms
• Improved appearance so improves customer appeal
• Uses less energy than freezing or drying

Question 9

Disadvantages of MAP

Answer 9

• Increased amount of packaging so environmental concern
• Initial cost of setting up MAP system is expensive and passed onto customers
• Danger if not stored properly, lead to food spoilage and illness

Question 10

What is UHT?

Answer 10

A sterilising process for foods to kill all bacteria

Question 11

Advantages of UHT

Answer 11

• Longer shelf life
• Convenient to store as dont need a refrigerator
• Handy to have in cupboard incase of emergencies

Question 12

Disadvantage of UHT

Answer 12

Can taste different from fresh so consumers may not like flavour

Question 13

What is cook chill?

Answer 13

Development that allows manufacturers to produce large quantities of food in advance. It is cooked in a factory setting then chilled as quickly as possible to prevent bacterial growth

Question 14

Advantages of cook chill

Answer 14

• Easy to use and prepare so suitable for consumers trying to save time
• Available at different price ranges to suit all budgets
• Can be frozen at home to save time on shopping and good last-minute meals

Question 15

Disadvantages of cook chill

Answer 15

• If not reheated properly, bacteria not destroyed so can lead to food poisoning
• Requires a lot of packaging so environmental issues
• Can be high in fat, salt and sugar and low in fibre
• Can be more expensive if feeding a number of people

Question 16

What are alternative products?

Answer 16

Sources of protein to help sustainably feed a growing world population and cater more to consumers following a plant-based diet

Question 17

Advantages of alternative proteins

Answer 17

• Replacement for meat so can ad variety to vegetarian diet
• No animal fat so helps prevent CHD
• Less expensive usually than meat

Question 18

Disadvantages of alternative proteins

Answer 18

• Doesn’t contain vitamin B12
• Can contain eggs so not suitable for vegans
• Different texture to meat
• Can lack flavour