Food Science & Technology

Food Science vs. Food Technology Food science = study of all aspects of food, including processing, storage, and preparation Biology Chemistry Physics Food Technology = tools and techniques that help with food production, processing, storage, preparation Food tech comes from food science

Tech Advances Early Farming Advances Modern advances Production Processing & distribution Analogs – foods made to imitate other foods Formed products – foods made from an inexpensive source and processed to imitate a more expensive food Egg substitutes – made from egg white and other ingredients

analogs Formed product Egg substitute

Tech Advances Cont… Packaging MAP – modified atmosphere packaging Aseptic packages Retort pouches Shrink wrap & quick freezing

MAP – uses carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen to slow bacterial growth

Aseptic Packaging- consisting of layers of plastic, paperboard, & aluminum foil

Retort pouches- flexible packages made of aluminum foil & plastic film

Shrink-Wrap & Quick Freezing

Tech Advances cont… Transportation Can travel 1,000 miles or more Foods available year round Resources and labor required

Tech Advances cont Genetic Engineering – genes are removed from one organism and transferred to another Pass on desirable traits “GMOs” Controversial subject

Advantages of Genetic Engineering Increase food supply by helping crops survive pest & weed damage Improve nutrition Improve taste Remove substances that cause allergic reactions Use of fewer pesticides on plants w/ built-in pest resistance Greater resistance to spoilage Newer and better varieties of food

Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering Cause health problems/ allergies Threaten the environment & food supply Built in pesticides may kill beneficial insects like bees and butterflies “Superweeds” are created Harmful insects can become immune to pesticide Patented by large corporations

To label or not to label Last spring GMO salmon was in the middle of a labeling controversy. Should we be aware of all foods that are GMO?

Cloning Clone = genetic copy of an organism Cattle Pigs Dogs Other animals Create exact copies of animals with desirable traits Positive: help expand food supply Negative: destroy biodiversity , produces animal suffering

Better Nutrition Enrichment – restoring nutrients that were lost in processing Fortification – adding a nutrient that is not normally found in a food

Enrichment

Fortification

Functional Foods Foods with ingredients that offer specific health benefits NO special regulations governing them Three categories Natural whole foods Enhanced foods Foods created by science

Natural Whole Foods “superfoods” with healthy natural chemicals Blueberries Broccoli Salmon Garlic Oats

Enhanced Foods Have nutrients or other substances added

Foods Created by Science Scientist created foods with specific health benefits More long term studies needed

Nutrition Research Research over 40+ nutrients 100’s chemical compounds Discover new nutrients & chemical compounds Food production Extend shelf life Fortify foods

Ergonomics Study of ways to make space and equipment easier and more comfortable to use and how to work more efficiently Kitchen design Appliances cookware

Improving meal prep Cooking techniques Appliances Computers & phone technology