Food Science & Technology Flashcards

What is the main role of food science in food production?

Answer: To improve the shelf-life and nutritional value of food.

Food science applies scientific principles to food to ensure its safety, quality, and availability. A primary focus is on understanding food composition and degradation to develop methods for extending shelf-life and enhancing nutritional content. This makes food more accessible, safer, and beneficial for consumers.

Which of the following is a key factor in food quality control?

Answer: Safety, nutritional content, and sensory attributes.

Food quality control is a comprehensive process that ensures food products meet specified standards. This includes verifying food safety to prevent illness and assessing nutritional content for consumer health. Additionally, evaluating sensory attributes like taste, texture, and appearance is crucial for consumer satisfaction and market acceptance.

What does HACCP stand for in food safety?

Answer: Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points.

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points, a systematic preventive approach to food safety. It identifies potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards in food production processes. The system then establishes critical control points where these hazards can be prevented, eliminated, or reduced to an acceptable level, ensuring food safety throughout the supply chain.

Which is a primary function of food preservation?

Answer: To prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.

Food preservation involves various techniques designed to inhibit or slow down microbial growth and undesirable chemical changes in food. Its main goal is to prevent spoilage, which can be caused by bacteria, molds, or enzymes. This process ultimately extends the food's shelf life, ensuring its safety and quality over time.

What is the purpose of pasteurization in food processing?

Answer: To kill harmful microorganisms.

Pasteurization is a heat treatment process applied to foods, especially liquids like milk and juice. Its primary purpose is to kill pathogenic microorganisms that can cause disease, making the food safer for consumption. It also reduces the total number of spoilage organisms, thereby extending the product's shelf life.

What is an example of a functional food?

Answer: A fortified yogurt with probiotics.

Functional foods are those that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, often by containing added ingredients like vitamins, minerals, or probiotics. A fortified yogurt with probiotics fits this description because it not only offers basic nutrients but also live beneficial bacteria that support gut health, providing an additional health advantage.

What does the Maillard reaction contribute to food?

Answer: It gives food its characteristic color and flavor.

The Maillard reaction is a complex chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs when food is heated. This non-enzymatic browning reaction is responsible for creating a wide array of desirable flavors and aromas. It also contributes the characteristic brown color seen in many cooked foods like seared meats, toasted bread, and roasted coffee.

Which nutrient is primarily responsible for the formation of muscles?

Answer: Proteins.

Proteins are essential macronutrients composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of tissues in the body. They play a crucial role in the growth, repair, and maintenance of all body tissues. This includes muscles, making proteins vital for muscle formation and overall physical structure.

What is the main purpose of food fortification?

Answer: To improve the nutritional value of food.

Food fortification involves adding essential micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to food products that may not naturally contain them or contain them in insufficient amounts. This process aims to enhance the nutritional value of common foods. It helps to address dietary deficiencies and improve public health outcomes on a broader scale.