Abstract This paper discusses the importance of foodsafety. It analyzes issues related to foodsafety, such as spoilage, food-borne pathogens and the microbiological quality of food. It then discusses sanitation regulations and standards with regards to food handling. The paper also looks at the two increasing trends of people desiring healthier nutrition and increasing global imports of produce and the effects these have on the potential for food and waterborne illness to expand.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
FoodSafety Sanitation Solutions and Conclusions
From the Paper "More importantly, interviews with sorters and packers later revealed that the tomatoes had not been washed at any site. The evidence indicated that the tomatoes were contaminated at a terminal distribution site instead of a more central site of production, processing, or distribution. Currently, new contributing factors are aggravating the issue of food safety. Among these factors are changes in food consumption and cooking practices; increased restaurant dining; diminished consumer immunity; increased time between production and consumption; government and food industry negligence; and poor management (Griffith, 2006). Adding to the problem are new strains of pathogens. Meanwhile, other trends are counteracting those factors. According to West (2006), a major advance for the food sector is that concepts such as hazard analysis and critical control point for food safety are currently aspects of management systems."
Abstract This paper explains that research indicates that, in the United States, perceptions factors in the purchase of organic foods relating to foodsafety concerns are environmental contaminants, disease-causing organisms and pesticide residues. The author points out that useful knowledge for anyone wishing to introduce consumers to organic foods is that the consumer would not perceive much risk in food until after he or she has heard about some problem; however, once that happens, it would be likely that they would make biased judgments. The paper indicates that, in contrast to nutrition knowledge, perceptions about attributes of organic foods, such as importance of nutrition, appear to be good predictors of dietary behavior; therefore, consumer information programs must be careful to reiterated nutrition as a "salient attribute" of organic food if they want to be successful in encouraging consumers to behave in a certain way.
Table of Contents
What is Consumer Behavior?
Factors Affecting Consumer Behavior
What is Perception?
Perceived Risk in Food Price Perception
What are Attitudes?
Willingness to Pay
Resource Deficit Model
Organic Food as a Strategy to Deal with Worries about the Safety and Quality of Food Consumer Buying Decision Process
From the Paper "Dean (1999) investigated three factors-advertising cues-he believed affected consumer perceptions (and therefore behavior) concerning product quality, uniqueness, manufacturer reputation and manufacturer corporate citizenship. It is likely the last of this list would have some effect on consumer behavior regarding organic foods, especially. The three cues Dean investigated were third-party product endorsement, brand popularity and event sponsorship. He found that the popularity cue lacked significant effect; also, he found that the three cues do not interact with each other significantly in forming a basis for consumer perception and arguably behavior."
Tags: reconstructionist, nutrition, perceptions, food-safety, information
Abstract This paper reviews issues of foodsafety dividing the United States and Europe in relation to trade policy. The paper focuses on the controversy over genetically modified food and meat and milk from hormone-fed cattle. The paper examines both the health and political issues involved.
Abstract The writer explores Eric Schlosser's book "Fast Food Nation" by first offering a summary of the work, then providing a discussion and analysis of the work. The writer paints a picture of the corruption, greed, exploitation and lack of concern for health and workers inherent in the fast food industry and concludes that this book couldn't be more compelling because of its true and real nature.
Outline:
Introduction
Summary of the Book
Discussion and Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "The fast food industry has gained enormous amount of press over the years. It has become accessible to millions of peoples in world. A McDonald's ad once displayed, "... 6.5 Billion people served" stating the enormous amount of appeal that it has on society. Many people eat at fast food restaurants for convenience and for budget. In a society where time is as precious as money, being able to get an order within 90 seconds of ordering definitely speaks for itself. The business strategy and marketing schemes behind the fast food industry is even more complicated and sophisticated. The franchising system allows retailers to franchise names and get continuous supplies of finished products. This has led to the creation of global based fast food companies that meet the needs of customers around the world."
Abstract This paper highlights the major statistics regarding biotechnology and the agricultural industry. It then examines governmental and organizational involvement in biotechnology, both locally and internationally. The paper focuses on biotechnology issues as they relate to foodsafety, food labeling and guidelines for genetically modified foods.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Biotechnology and Nutrition
Statistics
Definitions
Governmental Agencies
Food Labeling
From the Paper "The bottom line consideration is one between scientists and those who make public policy and the unknown variable of the long term health risks of consuming genetically modified foods (Underwood, 2003). As Greger (2000) points out, however, there is often a disparity between what consumers consider important information and what scientists have to offer. Underwood (2003) states the solution is to develop a sense of trust by having scientists and governmental agencies admit the unknowns and risk elements, thus allowing individuals, states or countries to weigh the benefits against the risks for themselves and make an informed decision."
Abstract This paper presents the controversy concerning the safety and long-term health effects of irradiated foods. The paper argues in favor of irradiation by pointing out that it has been used for many years without problems and that many respectable studies have shown that it is not harmful. The author also presents arguments from studies using laboratory animals that there is evidence about carcinogens, chromosomal, genetic hazards and the loss of vitamins and nutrients.
From the Paper "Supporters of irradiated food cited the fact that this treatment has been endorsed by "such diverse entities as the World Health Organization, the United Nations, the U.S. Public Health Service and the American Medical Association". Moreover, hospitals and nursing homes have fed irradiated food to burn victims and chemotherapy patients for years due to the fact such ?immunologically comprised people are particularly prone to infections from bacteria that irradiation destroys".
Astronauts have been eating irradiated food since 1972."
Tags:safety, health, laboratory, animals, carcinogens, genetic, hazards, vitamins, nutrients, loss
Abstract The paper discusses the efficiency of the German governmental agencies and beef industry in estimating the risk of mad cow disease negatively affecting German consumers of beef during the years 2001 to 2004. The paper further discusses how the German governmental agencies and industry managers performed risk management strategies and policies through the selection and implementation of appropriate measures after the outbreak of mad cow disease in Germany in 2000 and until 2004. In addition, the paper looks at how the risk communication was conducted in relation to the true possibility that humans can contract Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (CJD), a variant of BSE.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Perceived Risk Analysis
Rational Problem-Solving
FoodSafety Regulation Reform
Research Risk and Assessment
Food Industry Supports Government
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The work of Grannis, Green and Bruch (2004) entitled: "Animal Health: The Potential Role for Livestock Disease Insurance" state that "animal disease can cause significant production losses and a reduction in livestock receipts." Grannis, Green and Bruch state that an opportunity development exists in assisting the management of livestock disease risks and one example is Germany. "Evidence from Germany demonstrates that both alternative value and consequential loss policies for livestock producers can be developed and can work in parallel with government indemnity programs. In Germany, indemnity payments are made based on predetermined and published payment schedules. These schedules are capped by maximum values that do not represent the value of superior commercial animals. Policies are available to insure the difference between the value indemnified according to the published government schedule and the value of the animal under regular, nondisease market conditions".
Abstract This paper explains that the debate over African nations refusing U.S. GM food aid encompasses a much larger scope than the Western debate over GM foods. The author points out that, not only must African nations consider the same human health and environmental implications of GM food as their Western counterparts, but also African countries must negotiate a minefield of political and economic concerns unique to the region. The paper states that the debate surrounding GM foods in Africa must take into consideration some uniquely African problems, including Africa's desperate need to feed its large population and the relative poverty of the African nations.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background to Genetically Modified Foods and Food Aid
Arguments Supporting Genetically Modified Foods Arguments against Genetically Modified Foods The Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Food Aid
Conclusion
From the Paper "Later reports noted that Zambia's decision was influenced strongly by the UK-based BMA's fears about the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in FM foods to bacteria, and the potential for GM foods to cause allergies. Supporters of GM foods argue that the Zambia's decision was based on bad advice from the BMA. For example, the South African head of AfricaBio notes, "The American Medical Association backs GM food, as does the Royal Society in Britain, the Third World Academy of Sciences and the Food and Agriculture Organization". "
Abstract The paper discusses how, although the media in the Netherlands inflated the real threat of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) to human beings, the Netherlands still failed to respond appropriately to the sense within the public that its government had not protected it properly from dangerous foods. The paper thus highlights the need for the government to take the threat of BSE seriously, not as an immediate danger to the European public, but as a way of sustaining the public's confidence in the regulation of foodsafety.
From the Paper "The risk of human contraction mad cow disease is perceived to be high in places where its early form can be detected in livestock. Known in this context as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), consumption of meat thereby contaminated is believed to be a way of contract the fatal neurologically degenerative human disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob (vCJD). Thus, when reports surfaced of contamination found in meats allegedly originating on Dutch farms, the outcome was a dramatic response from various governments within Europe, amongst EU agencies and sectors of various national publics, all of which responded to the threat with an immediate forbearance from meat. The question must be posited, however, with regard to its dramatic spread in the public discussion forum, as to whether the response has thus far been appropriate or properly measured from within the Dutch government."
Abstract The paper discusses how issues of workplace safety have become significant in the last 100 years. The paper examines the decline in work-related injured, which can be attributed to changes in labor relations; management attitudes; legislation regarding the treatment of workers; and perhaps most simple of all an understanding by workers that one should not have to endure a workplace fraught with danger simply because it may reduce overall costs, speed up production or deal with other financial issues. The paper further examines the meatpacking industry, noting that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) made a pledge that they would begin more stringent oversight of meatpacking and cleaning companies.
From the Paper "All these issues will result in a greater bottom line for the meatpacking industry, which will either reduce company profits or increase the cost of the end product, essentially passing along the cost of compliance to the working man. While I have no doubt that these oppressive working conditions exist within the meat packing industry, I also believe that it will do little to help the workers to simply enact more legislation when previous legislation and published commitment on the part of OSHA, the government agency most specifically associated with workplace safety did little to improve the work place."
Tags: Tyson, Smithfield, Foods, union, Triangle, Shirt, Waist, company, fire
Abstract This paper reports that in In April, 2002 the World Health Organization was informed of potential toxicity from acrylamide found in food. This paper discusses the background of acrylamide including its industrial use and how it was discovered to appear in foods. It then focuses on the many potential toxic reactions, ranging from neuropathologies to cancer to reproductive issues. This paper concludes by making recommendations for foodsafety.
Abstract This paper discusses the strategies that should be taken by a frozen food manufacturer to prevent the passing of an FDA ruling regarding labeling of pre-cooked frozen food products. The writer suggests that in the event of failing to achieve the primary objective, steps should be taken to lobby Congress to amend the regulations. He then goes on to present a detailed plan of action that would, in his opinion, facilitate the attainment of the company's objectives.
From the Paper "National Pizza should then embark on an advertising campaign that promotes their products as part of a health diet that includes all foods in moderation. This will help people that are on the fence about buying the product after labeling, should this happen, make the decision to buy the products offered by national pizza anyway. There are many high fat products that are not labeled, but incorporated into healthy diets. Examples of these include avocados, nuts and nut butters. The key to National Pizza's success will be our ability to convince consumers and the government that labeling of products with high fat is no more effective for helping people control their weight and eating habits than is labeling fruits and vegetables. People are just as likely to become overweight by eating foods that are labeled "low fat" or "sugar free". In fact, many people recognize their own tendency to eat more if a fob is labeled low fat. Rather than have people eat too little because a food may be labeled "high fat" despite any health benefits it may have, the FDA should spend its time educating consumers. Congress should promote bills that will encourage customers to become better educated about the foods they eat. They will make more money convincing people to buy organic products and fast food in moderation than they will simply labeling foods "high-fat" because such labels are not a true deterrent. People will always buy what is convenient for them."
Tags: FDA congress legislation lobbying, public health, health and safety, sales
Abstract This paper examines how technological advances have changed the field of genetic engineering, with special emphasis placed on the field of food. The author gives a brief history of the field of genetic engineering and its evolution over the years. The paper discusses the importance of plants in developing food for humans and details how scientists have worked to perfect this process. The many different problems that have arisen from genetic engineering are detailed, and the author also details some suggestions that may help prevent these problems from recurring, including tighter regulations by the FDA. The author feels that if there was more government intervention then the advantages would begin to outweigh the disadvantages in this growing field.
From the Paper "Genetic engineering in plant species, meanwhile, is encouraged and has been in practice for many years. The process of modifying a plant's genetic make-up is encouraged because these kinds of study and process helps in providing new means by which people can obtain food, since plants are the primary source of food that humans consume. In order to make plants efficient in their food production, scientists have found ways by which particular plant specie will acquire a characteristic that will make the newly developed plant superior or better than its "parent" specie. The modifications commonly used in genetic engineering of plants are the increasing variety of rice grains, wherein certain plants or crops are described as immune to pests or any kind of diseases, has greater life and not susceptible to certain afflictions that destroys plant life and development, and are more adaptive to several conditions such as changes in climate, soil type, or fertilizers used."
Abstract The paper discusses the historical events leading to the code of federal regulations on food labeling in the United States. The paper focuses on specific acts in history which address labeling as a way to protect health and safety. The paper further discusses changes in legislation that have led to the current laws. The paper examines the most significant issues related to labeling that are currently being considered, and draws conclusions based upon the research.
From the Paper "The history of Federal regulations that concerned labeling in the United States began with the import and export of foods, and the concern of the American public that disease could easily be spread through foodstuffs that were not regulated, nor guaranteed safe. Through interpretation of early United States doctrines, (more specifically through the commerce clause in the Constitution) Congress has traditionally allowed states to regulate labeling of foods in order to provide some guarantee of safety to the consumer ("Food Labeling", 1992). Yet, by the 1800s Congress determined that the Federal government would control the labeling aspects of imported and exported products, and that states would be responsible for governing the labeling for products in-state, or to other states ("Food Labeling", 1992)."
The goal of this well-researched paper is to stress the importance of recognizing and removing potential safety hazards in both the airline industry and the military.
Abstract This paper details the standard safety guidelines that must be followed by both the airline industry and the military, as set forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The writer examines the goals of OSHA and the FAA which is to ensure the safety and well-being of America's workers by regulating and enforcing specific standards, providing training and education while also encouraging constant improvements of safety standards in the workplace. This paper discusses the various areas of employment in the aviation industry including baggage handlers, forklift drivers and general ground crews. This paper also details the types of safety and health risks in the industry which include: Dangerous carbon dioxide levels, electrocution, vehicle injuries, ramp operation incidents as well as disruptive passengers. This paper discusses an incident in which two general ground workers died due to carbon monoxide poisoning, while refueling their vehicles. This paper also examines the various differences in the safety guidelines between the military and the airline industry as well as the logic behind the differences.
From the Paper "Baggage handling can cause back injuries. Many times employees lift heavy baggage, which can eventually take its toll on airline workers. In addition, electrocution can occur on the flight line. For example, one man got electrocuted while he repaired airport runway lights. He was a 54-year old certified electrician of an electrical contracting company. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), SARS is a viral respiratory illness caused by a corona virus, called SARS-associated corona virus (SARS-CoV). SARS was first reported in Asia in 2003. Over the next few months the illness spread to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, before the SARS global outbreak of 2003 was contained (CDC, 2005). This disease is important for airline employees to become aware of and to learn proper safety measures to assist in avoiding such a disease from occurring, as it can be fatal."
