N-Level Food and Nutrition — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the six main nutrients needed by the human body?
- Only carbohydrates and fats
- Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water (Correct answer)
- Only vitamins and minerals
- Carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins only
Correct answer: Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water
The six main nutrients are carbohydrates (energy), proteins (growth/repair), fats (energy/insulation), vitamins (body functions), minerals (body functions), and water (essential for all bodily processes).
Question 2: Why is food hygiene important in Singapore's warm and humid climate?
- It is not particularly important in Singapore
- Warm, humid conditions promote rapid bacterial growth on food, increasing the risk of food poisoning (Correct answer)
- Only for restaurant food
- Only during certain months
Correct answer: Warm, humid conditions promote rapid bacterial growth on food, increasing the risk of food poisoning
Singapore's tropical climate (30-35°C, high humidity) provides ideal conditions for bacterial multiplication. Food left at ambient temperature can reach dangerous bacterial levels within hours.
Question 3: What is the 'danger zone' temperature range for bacterial growth in food?
- 0°C to 10°C
- 5°C to 60°C (Correct answer)
- 60°C to 100°C
- Below 0°C
Correct answer: 5°C to 60°C
The temperature danger zone is 5°C to 60°C, where bacteria can multiply rapidly. Food should be kept below 5°C (refrigerated) or above 60°C (hot holding) to prevent bacterial growth.
Question 4: What is the function of protein in the diet?
- Only to provide energy
- Growth, repair of body tissues, production of enzymes and hormones, and immune system function (Correct answer)
- Only to build muscles
- To provide dietary fibre
Correct answer: Growth, repair of body tissues, production of enzymes and hormones, and immune system function
Proteins are essential for growth and repair of body tissues, making enzymes and hormones, producing antibodies for immunity, and providing energy when carbohydrate and fat are insufficient.
Question 5: What is the Health Promotion Board (HPB) 'My Healthy Plate' recommendation for Singapore?
- Eat only rice
- Fill half the plate with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with whole grains, and a quarter with protein (Correct answer)
- Eat only meat and vegetables
- No specific plate guideline exists
Correct answer: Fill half the plate with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with whole grains, and a quarter with protein
HPB's 'My Healthy Plate' recommends filling half the plate with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with whole grains (e.g., brown rice), and a quarter with lean protein (meat, fish, tofu).
Question 6: What is cross-contamination in food preparation?
- Mixing two recipes together
- The transfer of harmful bacteria from one food to another, often through contact with contaminated surfaces, hands, or utensils (Correct answer)
- Cooking food at the wrong temperature
- Adding too much seasoning
Correct answer: The transfer of harmful bacteria from one food to another, often through contact with contaminated surfaces, hands, or utensils
Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria transfer from raw foods (especially raw meat) to ready-to-eat foods via hands, cutting boards, knives, or surfaces. This is a major cause of food poisoning.
N-Level Food and Nutrition
What are the six main nutrients needed by the human body?