Food Standards and Quality Control

Food Standard and Quality Control

Lesson 05 : Factors affecting food quality

Introduction

Food production, manufacturing, distribution and retailing are becoming a highly complex business. Raw materials are nowadays obtained from sources world wide, an ever increasing number of processing technologies are utilized, and a array of products are available to consumers. Such complexity necessitates the development of comprehensive control procedures to ensure the production of safe and high quality food.

In addition consumer expectations are changing with a desire for convenience, less processed and fresher foods with more natural characteristics. At all stages of the food chain, from acquisition of raw materials through manufacture, distribution and sale considerations must be given to quality issues associated with specific products, processes and methods of handling.

If quality and safety are to be assured, good practices must be used in the growing and postharvest handling of crops, the processing, packaging and distribution of the foods derived from them, and in their storage and preparation prior to consumption.