Photo AI
The organic, home-made food trend may have grown rapidly in the past decade, but in the recession many consumers have returned to cheaper processed food - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3 - 2011
Question 3
The organic, home-made food trend may have grown rapidly in the past decade, but in the recession many consumers have returned to cheaper processed food. (a) Give a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The organic, home-made food trend may have grown rapidly in the past decade, but in the recession many consumers have returned to cheaper processed food - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3 - 2011
Step 1
Give an account of the factors that affect a consumer’s choice of food.
Answer
Several factors influence a consumer's choice of food, which can be categorized as follows:
Culture and Religion
Cultural background and religious beliefs significantly shape dietary choices. For instance, certain cultures may emphasize vegetarianism, while others have specific dietary restrictions.
Sensory Aspects
Personal preferences regarding taste, aroma, and appearance play a critical role in food selection. Consumers are often drawn to visually appealing and flavorful options.
Nutritional Awareness
Increasing knowledge about health benefits and nutritional content encourages consumers to choose foods that align with their health goals.
Marketing and Availability
Marketing strategies, including advertisements and promotional campaigns, can greatly influence consumer behavior. Moreover, the availability of food products in local markets affects choices, leaning consumers towards easily accessible options.
Pricing
Economic factors also play a significant role; consumers may opt for less expensive brands due to financial considerations, especially in times of economic downturn.
Safety Concerns
Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about food safety and health issues, prompting them to choose products that are perceived as safer or healthier.
Step 2
Profile a food of your choice that has undergone extensive processing.
Answer
One example of a highly processed food is flour.
Stages of Production
Flour production involves several steps, including:
- Cleaning: Raw grains are cleaned to remove impurities.
- Milling: The cleaned grains are ground to produce flour.
- Sieving: Flour is sifted to achieve the desired texture and remove any remaining particles.
- Additives: Ingredients such as vitamins and preservatives may be added for enrichment and shelf stability.
Packaging
Flour is typically packaged in bags that are labeled with nutritional information, storage instructions, and best-by dates. The packaging is often designed to be moisture-proof and durable to maintain freshness.
Labelling
Labelling of flour includes:
- Product name and brand
- Nutritional data, including ingredients
- Instructions on how to use or store the product
Step 3
Outline the protection provided to the consumer by the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts (1875, 1879, 1899 and 1936).
Answer
The Sale of Food and Drugs Acts provide essential protections for consumers by ensuring that food products meet safety standards and are accurately labeled. Key points include:
- Prevention of Food Adulteration: The Acts prohibit the sale of food that has been misbranded or is unsafe for consumption.
- Consumer Awareness: They enable consumers to make informed choices regarding food safety by mandating clear labeling regarding the contents and quality of food products.
- Legal Recourse: The legislation provides consumers with avenues for legal recourse in the event of disputes concerning food safety or mislabeling, ensuring accountability among producers.