ift food processingandpreservation

© 2007 Institute of Food Technologists

Food Processing and Preservation101

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© 2007 Institute of Food Technologists 2

What is Food Science?

Food Science is the discipline in which biology, physical sciences, and

engineering are used to study the nature of foods, the causes of their deterioration,

and the principles underlying food processing.


What is Food Technology?

Food Technology is the application of food science to the selection, preservation,

processing, packaging, distribution, and use of safe, nutritious, and wholesome

food.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5f/Packages.jpg


What does a Food Scientist do?A Food Scientist studies the physical, microbiological, and

chemical makeup of food. Depending on their area of specialization, Food Scientists may develop ways to

process, preserve, package, or store food, according to industry and government specifications and regulations.


Food Processing• Food processing is the set of methods and techniques used to transform raw ingredients into food for consumption.

• Examples of food processing methods include: Chopping Mixing Homogenizing Cooking Pastuerizing Emulsifying Spray-drying


Food ProcessingFrom Farm To Table

?Whey protein, a by-product of cheese manufacturing, is

used in energy bars and drinks!


Food Preservation• Food preservation is the process of treating and handling food in such a way as to stop or greatly slow down spoilage to prevent foodborne illness and extend its shelf-life.

• Food processing methods that are used to preserve foods include: Refrigeration and freezing Canning Irradiation Dehydration Freeze-drying Pickling Pasteurizing Fermentation


Food Preservation• How a food is processed can affect its appearance, odor, flavor, and texture.

• Over the years many food preservation methods have been improved to increase the shelf-life of foods while minimizing changes to the quality and nutritional content.

IQF or Individual Quick Freezing

has improved the qualityof frozen fruits and vegetables


Food Preservation• Many food preservation methods

have also been used to create foods for astronauts and for the armed forces. These foods must remain safe to eat over a long shelf-life.

• It is reported that M & M’s were developed when Forrest Mars, Sr. saw soldiers eating candy coated chocolate. The chocolate pellets that the soldiers were eating were coated in sugar to increase their shelf-life in hot climates and prevent the chocolate from sticking to the soldier’s fingers!

Bags of Space Station food and utensils on a tray.


Food Preservation• So, how does food preservation work?

• All of the food preservation processes work by slowing down the activity and growth of disease causing bacteria, or by killing the bacteria all together. They also slow down or stop the action of enzymes which can degrade the quality of the food. Temperature

Water Activity

pH


Food Preservation• How a food is packaged also influences its shelf-life.

• It is also important that foods are handled properly by the consumer at home. Check “Use By” or expiration dates. Follow storage or preparation instructions.


Careers in Food Processing• Job Titles:

Process Engineer Engineer

• Employers: Food processors Ingredient

manufacturers/suppliers Academia (Higher Education) Contract research

laboratories/development firms Self-employed/Consultant

• Responsibilities: Process design Bench-top process development Testing Plant scale-up Commercialization Troubleshooting


Careers in Product Development• Job Titles:

Product Development Scientist Scientist

• Employers: Food processors Ingredient

manufacturers/suppliers Academia (Higher Education) Contract research

laboratories/development firms Self-employed/Consultant

• Responsibilities: Bench-top development Testing Plant scale-up Commercialization Troubleshooting


Want to learn more?•Visit:

http://www.ift.org http://school.discovery.com/foodscience/

•Find a Food Scientist: A database of IFT members who are willing to provide more information about the field of food science to you http://members.ift.org/IFT/Education/TeacherResources/findafoodscientist.htm


Questions?


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