Food quality is a concept often based on the organoleptic characteristics (e.g., taste, aroma, appearance) and nutritional value of food. Producers reducing potential pathogens and other hazards through food safety practices is another important factor in gauging standards. A food's origin, and even its branding, can play a role in how consumers perceive the quality of products.[1]
Sensory
editConsumer acceptability of foods is typically based upon flavor and texture, as well as its color and smell.[1]
Safety
editThe International Organization for Standardization identifies requirements for a producer's food safety management system, including the processes and procedures a company must follow to control hazards and promote safe products, through ISO 22000.[1][permanent dead link] Federal and state level departments, specifically The Food and Drug Administration, are responsible for promoting public health by, among other things, ensuring food safety. Food quality in the United States is enforced by the Food Safety Act 1990. The European Food Safety Authority provides scientific advice and communicates on risks associated with the food chain on the continent.[2]
There are many existing international quality institutes testing food products in order to indicate to all consumers which are higher quality products. Founded in 1961 in Brussels, The international Monde Selection quality award is the oldest[3] in evaluating food quality.[4] The judgements are based on the following areas: taste, health, convenience, labelling, packaging, environmental friendliness and innovation.[5] As many consumers rely on manufacturing and processing standards, the Institute Monde Selection takes into account the European Food Law.[5]
Food quality in the United States is enforced by the Food Safety Act 1990. Members of the public complain to trading standards professionals, [specify] who submit complaint samples and also samples used to routinely monitor the food marketplace to public analysts. Public analysts carry out scientific analysis on the samples to determine whether the quality is of sufficient standard. It is an important food manufacturing requirement because food consumers are susceptible to any form of contamination that may occur during the manufacturing process.[6]
Food quality also deals with product traceability, (e.g., of ingredient, and packaging suppliers), should a recall of the product be required. It also deals with labeling issues to ensure there is correct ingredient and nutritional information. It is an important food manufacturing requirement, because food consumers are susceptible to any form of contamination that may occur during the manufacturing process.[6] There are also sanitation requirements because it is important to ensure that the food processing environment is as clean as possible in order to produce the safest possible food for the consumer.[citation needed]
Origin
editEnvironmentally sustainable practices, animal welfare, and authenticity play a subjective role when considering the quality of food.[1]
Many consumers also rely on manufacturing and processing standards, particularly to know what ingredients are present, due to dietary, nutritional requirements (kosher, halal, vegetarian), or medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, or allergies).[citation needed]
Food labeling
editGeneral food labeling is required by law to be present on food packages.[7] Food containers and packages should be labeled on the front label panels or the principal display panel (PDP).[8]
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 covers the eight food groups that qualify as "major food allergens": milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans.[9]
The United States Department of Agriculture requires food labels to ensure the quality of food products sold.[10] There are different types of food labeling guidelines depending on the type of food group, this includes: dairy, beef, poultry, eggs, USDA Certified Organic, Plant Variety Protection, fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops.[11] Grade shields, official seals and labels are all granted to products that have completed review through USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service as well as following required labeling guidelines.[12] To consumers and buyers, these shields, seals, and labels ensure the quality and integrity of products.[12]
In Sweden, food labeling is regulated by the Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket) and follows the guidelines set by the European Union. The EU's primary regulation on food labeling is Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers.[13][14]
Academic resources
editSee also
editNotes and references
edit- ^ a b c "Knowledge Centre for Food Fraud and Quality". European Union. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
- ^ Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain, 2022
- ^ Monde Selection represents one of the oldest and most influential organisations in terms of quality examination Archived 2 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine, espiritu-de-chile.com
- ^ Monde Selection Archived 10 August 2016 at the Wayback Machine, 2012
- ^ a b Scientific and legal approach Archived 10 August 2016 at the Wayback Machine, 2012
- ^ a b Mayounga, André T. (2018). "Antecedents of recalls prevention: analysis and synthesis of research on product recalls". Supply Chain Forum. 19 (3): 164–177. doi:10.1080/16258312.2018.1530575. S2CID 169860121.
- ^ Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (23 September 2022). "Guidance for Industry: Food Labeling Guide". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
- ^ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (January 2013). A Food Labeling Guide – Guidance for Industry (PDF). pp. 5–6.
- ^ Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (29 November 2022). "Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA)". FDA.
- ^ "Understanding Food Quality Labels | Agricultural Marketing Service". ams.usda.gov. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
- ^ United States Department of Agriculture. Understanding Food Quality Labels – A Guide to AMS Grade Shields, Value-Added Labels, and Official Seals (PDF). Agricultural Marketing Service. pp. 1–7.
- ^ a b "Grades and Standards | Agricultural Marketing Service". ams.usda.gov. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
- ^ "Swedish Food Agency". livsmedelsverket.se. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
- ^ "| Food Safety". food-safety.com. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
- ^ Elsevier. "Food Quality and Preference". Retrieved 15 April 2009.
- ^ John Wiley & Sons. "Journal of Food Quality". Archived from the original on 6 January 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2009.
- ^ Springer. "Sensing and Instrumentation for Food Quality and Safety". Retrieved 15 April 2009.
Bibliography
edit- Potter, Norman N. and Joseph H. Hotchkiss (1995). Food Science. 5th Edition. New York: Chapman & Hall. pp. 90–112.
External links
edit- "Hyfoma – Food Quality Laws, Standards and legislation". Hyfoma.
- "EHEDG international standard".
- "American Society of Quality Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Division". Archived from the original on 18 October 2007. Retrieved 8 October 2006.
- "Institute of Food Technologists Quality Assurance Division". Archived from the original on 29 August 2006.
- "United Nation's World Food Programme Food Quality Control". Archived from the original on 14 May 2007.
- "Food Quality Discussion Forum".
