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Preserving food to extend its shelf life, whilst ensuring it’s safety and quality, is a central aim of the food industry - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3 - 2010
Question 3
Preserving food to extend its shelf life, whilst ensuring it’s safety and quality, is a central aim of the food industry. (a) Set out details of the findings of a c... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Preserving food to extend its shelf life, whilst ensuring it’s safety and quality, is a central aim of the food industry - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3 - 2010
Step 1
Set out details of the findings of a comparative evaluation you have carried out on a food which can be preserved using two different methods of preservation.
Answer
For the preservation methods, I chose freezing and bottling/canning of tomatoes.
Freezing
- Method: Freezing involves lowering the temperature of food to below 0°C, which inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
- Principle: The removal of warmth and moisture prevents enzymatic activity and bacterial growth.
- Risk of Spoilage: If the freezer is not maintained at the correct temperature, ice crystals may form leading to degradation of texture and flavor over time.
Bottling/Canning
- Method: Bottling involves preserving food in airtight containers, which are then heated to eliminate microbes.
- Principle: The high-temperature sterilization destroys bacteria and enzymes that cause spoilage.
- Risk of Spoilage: Poor sealing or improper sterilization can lead to spoilage, as bacteria may survive and grow, causing food contamination.
Step 2
Assess the use of plastics as a packaging material having regard to:
Answer
Types
- Polyethylene: Commonly used for its flexibility and resistance to moisture.
- PET bottles: Typically used for liquids, easy to recycle, but can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
Suitability for Purpose
Plastics are lightweight, durable, and can be molded into various shapes, making them ideal for a wide range of packaging uses. However, they often require layers for barrier protection against moisture, oxygen, and light.
Environmental Impact
The production and disposal of plastics contribute significantly to environmental issues. While recycling is possible, many types of plastic are not biodegradable and can remain in landfills for centuries. Therefore, sustainable alternatives and recycling initiatives are necessary to mitigate this impact.
Step 3
Outline the protection provided to the consumer by Labelling Regulations (1982, 1991 and 2002).
Answer
The Labelling Regulations ensure that all food labels must be clear, legible, and indelible. Specific protections include:
- Information about food safety, ensuring that consumers are aware of any claims made regarding food capabilities.
- Prohibitions against misleading information; labels must accurately represent the product.
- Essential information must be present on the package, including ingredients and nutritional content, aiding consumers in making informed choices.