1. Consumer Economics Copyright©2009 Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business Chapter 8 Food and Water Issues

2. Learning Objectives Discuss food and water/beverage consumption patterns and issues List the agencies and laws that protect our food and water Explain what organically grown means Discuss health and legal issues as well as government protection of food and water Compare the different points of view regarding genetically altered foods

3. Introduction Consumers and companies share concerns about food and water The Federal government seeks to protect consumers The topic of food and water is rapidly changing all the time

4. Food and Water Consumption Nutrition is the science of foods and nutrients and their actions within the body The history of food consumption reveals many changes over time in human behavior

5. Today’s Practices and Habits Over the next decade there are several probable trends: More convenience More health foods Smaller packages for smaller households More flavor (watch for words such as zesty and spicy)

6. USDA Myplate Copyright©2009 Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business

7. Important Food and Water Issues Consumers are more aware today about food and food production practices Labels give nutrient content information Eating, dieting, and activity are related Fast food makes up a large part of the Average American diet

8. Organic vs Genetically Modified Food Organic foods follow USDA regulation Genetic engendering modifies food with biotechnology Food irradiation destroys microorganisms Food additives are chemicals added to food Preservatives retard spoilage or maintain desired qualities

9. Calories, Weight, and Diets Bogus Fad Diet Claims You can lose weight by eating only at certain times of the day Certain combinations of foods will help you lose weight Some diets energize the brain Certain products can rewire your genetic code There are surefire remedies for weight problems Millions of people have successfully lost weight using this plan Copyright©2009 Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business

10. Food Concerns Food Borne diseases Food allergies Food boycotts Junk food and legal issues

11. Navigating the Grocery Store End-of-aisle displays Tie-ins Loss leaders Unit pricing Open dating Radio frequency identification (RFID) Grocery shopping online

12. Agencies and Laws Many Federal agencies monitor the food supply States may also monitor specific foods They are also active in consumer education Food labeling is a special problem

13. Structure-function Claims These are claims made about products that are not regulated by the FDA Potentially misleading because they are vague or lack proof They may be “empty” or meaningless claims

14. Chapter Summary Food and water are a large area of consumptionFood regulation is an important government activityFood and water consumer behavior is changing The healthiness of food and water is a concern for all