Dynamics of Food and Society Final Exam
fossil fuels( oil, coal, and natural gas)
-85% of all energy produced in the United States comes from burning these fuels. -A 2002 study from the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimated that, using our current system, three calories of energy were needed to create one calorie of edible food. -Transportation, fueling machinery, chemicals (production of artificial pesticides and fertilizers)
aqua advantage salmon
-Although salmon grown from AquAdvantage® eggs are the same biologically and nutritionally as any other Atlantic salmon, their accelerated growth comes from the addition of a growth hormone gene from the Chinook salmon. -The Chinook growth hormone is the same as the Atlantic salmon growth hormone; it is simply regulated differently. Their ability to grow faster does not change the biological make-up of the fish. -It is important to note that AquAdvantage® Salmon expresses a salmon protein in a salmon. •Finally received FDA approval in Nov 2015
national organic program definition
-Began in 2002 -Regulates all organic crops, livestock, and agricultural products certified to the USDA organic standards. •Crops- irradiation, sewage sludge, synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides, and GMO are not used •Livestock- animal health & welfare standards, no antibiotics or growth hormones, 100% organic feed, provide animals with access to outdoors •Multi-ingredient foods- verifies that 95% or more certified organic content --Develops the laws that regulate the creation, production, handling, labeling, trade, and enforcement of all USDA organic products
halo effect & organic food labels
-Halo effect •An individual's evaluation of one attribute of an entity strongly influences or biases his or her perceptions of other attributes of that entity. •Unrecognized process- people have little awareness of the existence of the cognitive processes that underlie their judgments and inferences •Previous research found that the presence of health claims increased the probability that respondents limited their information search- they only read the health claim and not the Nutrition facts panel ex. Do organic labels bias taste perceptions? •Research hypothesis-Participants who: (1) reported higher frequency of reading nutrition labels on food packages (2) frequently purchase organic foods (3) report relatively high levels of environmental activity would be less susceptible to the health halo effect
food babe criticism
-Hari does not have a degree in food science or nutrition, yet makes claims about additives being toxic and dangerous for consumption, without any evidence or research to support her claims. -I believe the concerns about Hari's work is legitimate, especially through the eyes of scientists who dedicate their lives to the study of food science and chemical engineering. -Fhe is able to get so much attention and accreditation from the American public because: --Most Americans are uneducated, especially in the field of food science and nutrition, thus leaving them to believe whoever is given the spotlight of popular culture media. -Food scientists often do not have the chance or platform to educate Americans about the truth behind the food industry, and Hari takes advantage of the ignorance of the average consumer.
examples of disease claims
-Provides relief of chronic constipation (structure/function claim would be: Provides relief of occasional constipation)
examples of structure/function claims
-Suppresses appetite to aid weight loss (disease claim would be: Suppresses appetite to treat obesity) -Helps maintain normal cholesterol levels (disease claim would be: Lowers cholesterol)
Substantial Equivalence (U.S.) vs. precautionary principle (Europe)
-The United States, on the other hand, treats GMO products as extensions of existing products, which means these products must satisfy simply the same safety requirements as their natural counterparts. -The EU policy stance is that GMOs are new goods, not extensions of their natural counterparts, thus policy makers are obliged not to approve products for release until they are shown not to pose a danger to human or environmental health.
concerns of anti- GMO activists
-Unforeseen long-term effects of genetic manipulation -Genetic manipulation in humans as a result of consuming GMO food -Control of food supply by a small number of seed producers -Insufficient testing of GMO crop side effects
perdue chicken and removal of antibiotics
-consistently and sustainably raise healthy animals without relying on antibiotics -small percentage of animals will require antibiotics for appropriate treatment. In those rare cases - which average five percent or less of our no-antibiotics-ever production - veterinarians will prescribe a targeted treatment, typically for three days or less. ---Treated animals are removed from the "No Antibiotics Ever" program and sold through other channels; federally mandated withdrawal periods ensure all meat is free of antibiotic residue as defined by the USDA.
golden rice
-developed by two European scientists, Dr. Ingo Potrykus of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and Dr. Peter Beyer of the University of Freiburg in Germany to help alleviate vitamin A deficiencies. -Vitamin A deficiency is estimated to affect millions of children around the world. Anywhere from a quarter to half-a-million children in developing countries become blind each year owing to vitamin A deficiency, with the highest prevalence in Southeast Asia and Africa. -Two daffodil genes and one bacterial gene were added to the rice DNA to produce pro-vitamin A. -The resulting plants are normal looking except for the grain's yellow color, which denotes the presence of beta-carotene.
food waste
-developed nations waste more food farther down the supply chain, when retailers order, serve, or display too much and when consumers ignore leftovers in the back of the fridge or toss perishables before they've expired -in developing nations much is lost postharvest for lack of adequate storage facilities, good roads, and refrigeration
benefits to GMO crops for farmers
-increase yields -decrease pesticide costs -save management time
product claim categories
-kosher -low/no/reduced allergens -gluten free -ethical-environmentally friendly packaging -no additives/preservatives -social media -GMO free -organic -natural -premium -private label -single serving -high vitamins/minerals -no gluten -no preservatives -organic -fresh -low/no fat
stoneyfield farm mission statement
1. To provide high quality, all-natural products 2. To educate their consumers about sustainable farming and protecting the environment 3. To serve as a model of a profitable, socially responsible business 4. To provide lenders and stockholders great returns on their investments 5. To give their employees a healthy, productive workplace
when GMO seeds first available in US
1996
amount of calories needed to be food secure
2,100 per capita per day
US regional characteristics- south
36% of Americans live in the South Above-average numbers of African Americans --56% of all blacks live in the South Larger numbers of Vietnamese, Pakistanis, Asian Indians Many with British, Scotch Irish, Cuban and Cajun ancestry
US regional characteristics- west
40% adhere to Christian faith --Highest percentage in Utah 80% Mormon --New Mexico 58%; Most Roman Catholic Higher than national average proportion of young people under 15 Lower than average percentage of persons over 65
water consumption in agriculture
Agriculture accounts for about 70% of fresh water consumption
food companies in nj
Campbell Soup Goya, Inc. Lipton (Unilever)
best overall diets
DASH diet and Mediterranean diet
regional fare definition
Food that was produced within the same region as where the consumer lives Home-style food prepared with local ingredients --Dependent on agricultural conditions and seasonal availability Ethnic and religious practices Local history Current trends Economic conditions This blending in a region produces"a taste of place"
US regional characteristics- midwest
Great Plains region- 12 states Known for agricultural productivity --America's breadbasket 21% of land area 22% of US population
innovation adoption curve
Innovators 2.5% of the population (risk takers, trendsetters, pricing not an issue, ex. Leading chefs, artisan food producers) Early Adopters 13.5% of the population (highly curious, opinion leaders, set the trends, stimulate word of mouth, ex. Food and drink editors) Early Majority 34% of population (seek out and rely on recommendations from early adopters) Late Majority 34% of population (skeptical, price sensitive, acquire after the product is common place) Laggards 16% of the population (very skeptical, only adopt product when there is no alternative)
new england regional foods
Lots of fish and shellfish -Abundance of cod (Codfish cakes,Massachusetts) -Shad(Connecticut) -Lobster(Maine) -Clams, oyster, scallop(Clambakes, Clam chowder)
food system inputs
Natural Resources Machinery Transportation Factories Human Resources (labor, research, education)
community supported agriculture
Strategy that farmers and communities are using to encourage local economic development CSA members purchase a "share" of the farm's produce before the growing season begins --Helps the farmer know how much to plant Receive a weekly supply of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the growing season Builds on the sense of community Most contribute to environmental sustainability by practicing organic farming, soil and water conservation techniques, and by maintaining a diversity of food varieties --Need for transportation, fuel, packaging and refrigeration is minimized
monsanto
The largest American agriculture company that researches agritechnology and sells genetically modified seeds and other agriculture products globally
country with the most GMO crop production
United States
US regional characteristics- northeast
Varied climate and geography Common history of Native American societies and Colonial immigrants 18% of total US population --2/3 Puerto Ricans --1/3 Asian Americans Highest population density Highest number of people living in metropolitan areas
what is gluten
a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale. Gluten helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a glue that holds food together
greenhouse gases- carbon dioxide, methane
carbon dioxide: -burning fossil fuels to produce electricity and heat -burning gas to run vehicles -cutting/burning trees -industrial/manufacturing processes(cement and chemicals) --stays in atmosphere from 50 to thousands of years methane: -raising livestock: digest methane, manure -breaking down of landfills -producing/transporting natural gas -mining coal --stays in atmosphere for 12 years --traps over 20 times more heat than the same amount of carbon dioxide
GMO crops harvested in the US
corn, sweet corn, cotton, soybeans, sugar beets, papaya, alfalfa, canola, summer squash, apples, potatoes
cattle industry
largest segment of American agriculture based on cash receipts -over 1.4 million people work in industry -memorial day is the day of most consumption of beef
where are consumers purchasing food
more supercenters than traditional food stores -Supermarkets -Farmers markets -Discount food stores -Convenience stores -Specialty shops -Gas stations -Food cooperatives -Restaurants •Cafeterias (hospitals, schools, work) •Points of transportation (Airplanes, trains, boats) •Food trucks •Street vendors •Entertainment (Movies, amusement parks, etc)
five main steps in food system
production processing purchase consumption discarded
structure/function vs. disease claims
structure/function claims: describe the role of a nutrient or dietary ingredient intended to affect normal structure or function in humans. An example we all have seen and heard "calcium builds strong bones", "fiber maintains bowel regularity" or "antioxidants maintain cell integrity". disease claims: -characterize a relationship between a specific food component and a disease (e.g., lung cancer or heart disease) or health-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure), and are supported by scientific evidence.
most food insecure region in the world
sub-saharan africa -258 million (29% of the population) in 2014 to 30.7% in 2024
makah indian tribe
whaling is central to culture; spiritual and ritualistic -controversy between if it is right or not
SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education) 3 Pillars of Sustainability
• Profit over the long term • Stewardship of our nation's land, air and water • Quality of life for farmers, ranchers and their communities
"the age of disbelief"
•"Science is not a body of facts.....it is a method for deciding whether what we choose to believe has a basis in the laws of nature or not." •Scientific results are always provisional, susceptible to being overturned by some future experiment or observation. •Scientists rarely proclaim an absolute truth or absolute certainty.
Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST)
•Animal drug approved by FDA to increase milk production in dairy cows. •Developed by Monsanto, sold under the brand name Posilac •This drug is based on the growth hormone naturally produced in cattle. Growth hormone is a protein hormone produced in the pituitary gland of animals, including humans, and is essential for normal growth, development, and health maintenance. •In the 1980s it became technically possible and economically feasible to produce large quantities of rBST by a process using biotechnology. •FDA approved a rBST product in 1993 after determining that its use would be safe and effective. Part of FDA's safety evaluation was to ensure that milk from treated cows was safe for human food.
starbucks C.A.F.E. program- benefits and criticisms
•Coffee prices can swing wildly •In the early 2000's coffee prices dropped and retailers like Starbucks profited because they paid less for coffee but were selling it for virtually the same amount of money -farmers are not treated fairly and still make way less than they are supposed to especially when starbucks is charging way more
nutrition professional's role in consumer GMO
•Education is critical to developing consumers' awareness and knowledge about biotechnology, and dietetics professionals should use skills in nutrition education to develop and deliver programs in this area •We need to provide effective, unbiased communication to help strengthen our status as a most valued source of food and nutrition information -Regulatory framework & Government policies-Explanation of benefits & risks -With this information consumers can make informed decisions about personal views of the technology from cultural, ethnic, religious, and environmental perspectives
FlavrSavr tomato
•First commercially grown genetically engineered food to be granted a license for human consumption and commercialized •Produced by California company Calgene and approved by the FDA in 1994 •Could be allowed to fully ripen on the vine and develop a more homegrown flavor yet the skin remained tough enough to be picked by mechanical pickers •Demand for this product was high and remained high, but the product was never profitable because of high production and distribution costs. It was never profitable
fair trade definition
•Globally, the Fair Trade network certifies coffee, tea and herbs, cocoa, fresh fruit and vegetables, sugar, beans and grains, flowers, nuts, oils and butters, honey and spices, wine and apparel, and certified ingredients are now used in ready-to-drink beverages, body care products and spirits. •Production must be free of forced labor or poor working conditions for laborers •Fair trade products have a "floor" price --Regardless of the market, the specified crops cannot be sold below a certain price --Protects small farms and underrepresented communities from falling prey to market fluctuations, and from being bought out by larger farms.
test tube burger
•In vitro or cultured meat, assembled from tiny bits of beef muscle tissue grown in a laboratory with use of stem cells •Maastricht University, the Netherlands •Why?-animal welfare and environmental issues. •Large-scale manufacturing of cultured meat that could sit side by side with conventional meat in a supermarket and compete with it in price is at the very least a long way off
gates foundation nutrition program
•New approaches to improving nutrition for women before and during pregnancy and for children from birth to age 2 —when nutrition is most critical to growth and development and lifelong health. -This includes new approaches to ensuring immediate and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child's life, followed by a transition to healthy complementary feeding from 6 to 24 months of age. -Focus on Sub Saharan Africa and South Asia •Promoting healthy growth •Improving Breast Feeding Practices •Addressing micronutrient deficiencies -Increase access to fortified and biofortified foods among vulnerable populations. •Advocating for better nutrition nutrition funding and policies
world food programme
•Started in 1961 •Largest humanitarian agency fighting world hunger •Part of the UN and voluntarily funded •On average, WFP reaches more than 90 million people with food assistance in 80 countries each year. •About 13,500 people work for the organization, most of them in remote areas, directly serving the hungry poor. Strategic Objectives -Save lives and protect livelihoods in emergencies -Support food security and nutrition and (re)build livelihoods in fragile settings and following emergencies -Reduce risk and enable people, communities and countries to meet their own food and nutrition needs -Reduce undernutrition and break the intergenerational cycle of hunger
double burden
•While certain countries/regions continue to deal with the problems of infectious disease and under-nutrition, they are experiencing a rapid upsurge in non-communicable disease risk factors such as obesity and overweight, particularly in urban settings. •It is not uncommon to find under-nutrition and obesity existing side-by-side within the same country, the same community and the same household. •Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate pre-natal, infant and young child nutrition -At the same time, they are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, energy-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend to be lower in cost but also lower in nutrient quality. -These dietary patterns in conjunction with lower levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity while undernutrition issues remain unsolved.
