Food Technology Year 12 Questions and
Answers Graded A+
What is the purpose of food fortification?
✔✔Food fortification is the process of adding essential nutrients to food to prevent deficiencies
and improve overall health.
How does refrigeration slow down food spoilage?
✔✔Refrigeration lowers the temperature, which slows down the growth of bacteria and mold,
thus extending the shelf life of perishable foods.
Why are emulsifiers used in food production?
✔✔Emulsifiers help mix ingredients that normally don’t combine, like oil and water, improving
texture and stability in products like dressings and sauces.
What is the difference between pasteurization and sterilization?
✔✔Pasteurization involves heating food to a specific temperature for a short period to kill
harmful bacteria, while sterilization uses higher temperatures for a longer time to kill all
microorganisms.
1
,What is the Maillard reaction, and why is it important in cooking?
✔✔The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that
creates a browned, flavorful crust on cooked food, such as roasted meats and baked goods.
How does adding sugar act as a preservative?
✔✔Sugar helps preserve food by drawing moisture out of cells, which prevents the growth of
microorganisms that cause spoilage.
What are some potential effects of excessive salt intake on health?
✔✔Excessive salt intake can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney
problems.
Why is food labeling important for consumers?
✔✔Food labeling provides consumers with essential information about ingredients, nutritional
content, allergens, and expiry dates, helping them make informed choices.
How does dehydration help preserve food?
✔✔Dehydration removes moisture from food, which inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and
molds, thereby extending the shelf life of the food.
2
, What role does fiber play in human digestion?
✔✔Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and may reduce the risk of
heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels.
What are the key differences between synthetic and natural food additives?
✔✔Synthetic food additives are man-made chemicals, while natural additives are derived from
plant or animal sources. Both are used to preserve or enhance the flavor, texture, or appearance
of food.
Why is it important to store food at the correct temperature?
✔✔Proper storage temperatures prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and yeasts,
keeping food safe to eat for longer periods.
How does air-tight packaging help preserve food?
✔✔Air-tight packaging reduces the exposure to oxygen, which can cause oxidation, spoilage,
and degradation of food quality.
What are trans fats, and why are they considered unhealthy?
3
Answers Graded A+
What is the purpose of food fortification?
✔✔Food fortification is the process of adding essential nutrients to food to prevent deficiencies
and improve overall health.
How does refrigeration slow down food spoilage?
✔✔Refrigeration lowers the temperature, which slows down the growth of bacteria and mold,
thus extending the shelf life of perishable foods.
Why are emulsifiers used in food production?
✔✔Emulsifiers help mix ingredients that normally don’t combine, like oil and water, improving
texture and stability in products like dressings and sauces.
What is the difference between pasteurization and sterilization?
✔✔Pasteurization involves heating food to a specific temperature for a short period to kill
harmful bacteria, while sterilization uses higher temperatures for a longer time to kill all
microorganisms.
1
,What is the Maillard reaction, and why is it important in cooking?
✔✔The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that
creates a browned, flavorful crust on cooked food, such as roasted meats and baked goods.
How does adding sugar act as a preservative?
✔✔Sugar helps preserve food by drawing moisture out of cells, which prevents the growth of
microorganisms that cause spoilage.
What are some potential effects of excessive salt intake on health?
✔✔Excessive salt intake can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney
problems.
Why is food labeling important for consumers?
✔✔Food labeling provides consumers with essential information about ingredients, nutritional
content, allergens, and expiry dates, helping them make informed choices.
How does dehydration help preserve food?
✔✔Dehydration removes moisture from food, which inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and
molds, thereby extending the shelf life of the food.
2
, What role does fiber play in human digestion?
✔✔Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and may reduce the risk of
heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels.
What are the key differences between synthetic and natural food additives?
✔✔Synthetic food additives are man-made chemicals, while natural additives are derived from
plant or animal sources. Both are used to preserve or enhance the flavor, texture, or appearance
of food.
Why is it important to store food at the correct temperature?
✔✔Proper storage temperatures prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and yeasts,
keeping food safe to eat for longer periods.
How does air-tight packaging help preserve food?
✔✔Air-tight packaging reduces the exposure to oxygen, which can cause oxidation, spoilage,
and degradation of food quality.
What are trans fats, and why are they considered unhealthy?
3
