Food Science

Food Science: The Scientific Approach to Food Industry Production

Food science encompasses a wide range of activities that bring food to the table of consumers around the world. These activities include the research and development of new methods of raising and feeding livestock, fertilizing crops and the creation of new varieties of plants that offer greater durability in extreme climates and higher output of usable food. Nearly every company in the food industry is involved in the scientific and research aspects of food production and works to improve the efficiency and the quality of the foods provided to consumers. Advanced preservation methods and packaging can also help to keep food fresh and wholesome from farm to table.

I Improving the ways in which food is grown, raised and processed is essential in order to meet the world’s growing needs. The food industry is constantly working to create innovative new ways to increase yield for crops and production weight for livestock. Scientific research can identify the most effective fertilizers and feeds to produce outstanding results. Additionally, natural selection techniques can often provide additional avenues for improvement in vegetable and grain crops. By producing crops that are more durable and resistant to drought, heat and other weather conditions food industry companies can ensure a steady supply of food to their customers.

F Food science is an integral part of the food production industry and encompasses a number of different disciplines, including food microbiology, food technology, dietary analysis, food engineering and chemical breakdowns of various foods and foodstuffs. By applying scientific methods to the production of food, food manufacturers can often create innovative new products that are nutritionally superior to their predecessors and offer greater food value for the energy expended to bring them to the retail marketplace. This can allow a greater number of people to be fed for the same amount of expended energy. Additionally, food science offers hope to individuals suffering from obesity by providing them with healthy alternatives to high-fat and high-calorie foods. By offering tasty choices for these calorie counters, food scientists can promote better health and improved prognoses for dieters.

T The food packaging and preservation methods used to store and transport food safely are also part of the scientific work of the food industry. New vacuum-packing techniques and safe, nutritionally sound preservatives can provide safer, more cost-effective ways of transporting food over long distances. Recent research into alternative sources of food and nutrition have also impacted the food industry and provided opportunities for innovation. Food safety and quality control by food testing laboratories ensure that consumers receive the healthiest, most appealing products every time they shop for food, while nutritional information, menu planning and food preparation instructions are a necessary element of the entire process and provide guidance to consumers about the foods they eat.

F Food science is an integral part of the food manufacturing industry and provides the impetus for innovation at every stage of the process, from feed and fertilizer selection right through to the proper preparation of the foods in the home. Even the choice of food and the cultural traditions surrounding it are part of the scientific aspect of the food industry. This logical approach to food production ensures that the industry continues to progress and improve its methodology while providing the best possible service and quality food product development to consumers everywhere.