Abstract The paper discusses the theme of the "risksociety" in respect to food production and distribution. The paper defines the term "risksociety" and looks at how decisions are made to ignore risks in order to benefit from the overall convenience gained through using a commercialized food distribution system. The paper discusses the specific risks associated with commercialized agriculture. The paper points out how some consumers avoid these risks through engaging in alternative food acquisition systems, such as purchasing organic products or buying food through community supported agriculture organizations.
Outline:
Introduction
The Theme of the RiskSociety RiskSociety and the Rationale for Alternative Food Supplies
Examples of Alternative Food Supplies
Summary
From the Paper "Mainstreamed, commercialized food distribution tends to be a heavily industrialized process. When food is treated like a commodity, it is purposefully marketed towards potential consumers and made available through specific modes of sale, such as supermarkets and restaurants. This process does help facilitate the movement of food through transportation and improves access to food products among those consumers who are in proximity to local points of distribution. However, some social scientists suggest that it is easy to confuse the aspects of convenience with those of safety, especially when it is frequently argued that a centralized system of food distribution enables ease of access for monitoring food product safety through the use of independent government oversight (e.g.: the Food and Drug Administration). In this sense, it can be argued that these perceptions of commercialized food purposefully ignore the risks that are associated with convenient food distribution."
Tags: organic, commercialized, food, distribution, production
A research paper on the primary factors that affect choice of fast food among individuals of different countries, highlighting the differentiations in health perspectives related to consumption of fast food.
Abstract This paper presents a research paper that discusses the the impact that culture has on the consumption of fast food and compares the difference in buying behavior in different countries. The paper investigates the major factors that affect customer's choice in fast food and comments on the relationship between foodconsumptions and health. The paper includes tables and figures.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Background of the Study
Methodology
Introduction
Research Questions
Literature Review
From the Paper "Globalization is greatly changing society and culture all around the globe in terms of consumer choices, lifestyle, individual preferences, socialization and custom and at the same time all of these factors are individualizing and changing specific aspects of marketing for fast food restaurants such as McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and others. In short, understanding factors affecting consumer choices regarding fast food is a complex focus of research because many diverse and various factors must be taken into consideration in terms of fast food and indeed the non-foodness' of fast food must be examined. 'Non-foodness' is a term coined in the work of Kwan which is a term used to refer to other reasons that fast food is chosen for consumption among consumers internationally."
Tags:consumption, countries, non-food, related, factors, nutritional, value
Abstract This paper explains that research indicates that, in the United States, perceptions factors in the purchase of organic foods relating to food safety 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 examines the current and future market situation for the leading fast food restaurants in America. The paper begins with a thorough assessment of the financial and marketing considerations for the industry. Next the paper examines how traditional growth engines, such as R&D and technology investment can be utilized to help grow the fast food business. The paper concludes with recommendations for the future, and then offers an appendix on statistical trends in foodconsumption -- particularly as it relates to fast food.
Outline:
Financial Analysis
Stock/Investment Outlook
Potential/Prospective for Growth
Competitive Structure
Role of Research and Development
Technological Investment and Analysis
Recommendation for the Future
New Trends In Food Preparation and Eating
From the Paper "In today's market the state of the fast food industry can be summed up in two words: "fiercely competitive." McDonald's and Burger King, two fast food giants, dominate the industry but many smaller companies such as Checkers, Subway, and Taco Bell are starting to make a large dent in fast food sales. The number of fast food restaurants increased by 5% in 1995 adding more competition to an already staggering number of restaurants. Fast food continues to be very popular helping to ease the competition for customers. Americans are working longer hours leaving less time to cook at home. With less time on their hands consumers are turning towards fast food. Of the total number of people dining out 66% go to a fast food restaurant. Americans spent 93 billion dollars on fast food in 1995 accounting for 49% of total eat out food expenditures. Value pricing and larger portions are popular trends to meet consumer demand for cheap, plentiful food. Companies stay competitive by attracting customers through advertising and movie sponsorship. Marketing expenditures are gigantic in the fast food industry with many companies spending up to 25% of total expenses on advertising. Aggressive global expansion has increased fast food sales and promises to provide strong future growth. Large, untapped marketplaces exist for fast food in both industrialized and developing nations."
Abstract This essay examines many of the issues associated with the consumption of animals for food. It is argued that this practice is flawed from two perspectives: ethically and as an issue of human health. As the writer shows in this article, from the perspective of ethics the only supportable position is to refuse to consume animals for food while, from a health perspective, the clear dangers from animals fats and, in particular, the transmission of toxic pollutants from animals to humans suggests that the consumption of animals for food carries with it considerable health risks for the human species.
From the Paper "In September 2001 the well-known animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sponsored a billboard in Vancouver, British Columbia that triggered widespread controversy within the environmental and animal rights movement. The billboard read, simply: "Eat the Whales". Not surprisingly, this advertisement provoked a heated response from many environmentalists and, in particular, from the influential anti-whaling movement. However, PETA was unrepentant and argued that their advertisement made an important point: why do so many people, including environmentalists and anti-whaling activists, make distinctions between species and consider eating domestic pigs, cows or chickens permissible but whales, dolphins or seals abhorrent?"
Abstract This paper describes why Americans enjoy fast food so much, despite the many problems associated with its consumption. The author reviews Morgan Spurlock's 2004 documentary "Supersize Me" to illustrate the popularity of fast food restaurants. The paper gives several reasons why fast food is so popular, which include its tastiness convenience, and low cost. The paper concludes by discussing some of the health risks associated with a diet based on fast food.
From the Paper " The convenience factor of fast food is also an undeniable selling point. According to Eric Schlosser: "Women entered the work force in record numbers," in the 1970s, "often motivated less by feminism than by a need to help pay the bills....the entry of women into the nation's work force has greatly increased demand for the types of services that housewives traditionally performed: cooking, cleaning and child care," as families have less time to devote to the domestic arts (Schlosser, 1998). After a hard day at work, a mother can provide her family with a hot meal from a fast food chain, guilt-free. She can also assuage some of her children's incessant nagging, given the amount of fast food advertising that is targeted towards children. "
Abstract This paper analyzes kosher food and Jewish dietary laws. It looks at the various types of kosher food, the Jewish laws pertaining to kosher food, and the selection and preparation of kosher foods. The paper begins by defining what makes food kosher or not. It looks at the differences between meats, dairy products and canned goods. The paper also describes the prevalence of kosher foodconsumption in the United States.
Table of Contents:
What Is Kosher
The Rules Regarding Kashrut
Laws Concerning Meat and Dairy Products
Canned Foods: Are They Kosher
The Packaging of Kosher Foods
From the Paper "Is it important to consider the packaging of kosher foods? Yes. If restrictions are used in canning these foods and in the food additives that are used, should not the packaging be kosher? It is important to understand that the printing inks and other types of packaging may have materials that are not kosher. "Many components of inks, coatings, adhesives, and packaging materials may be animal-based (glycerols, stearates, peptones, etc.), and several, such as caseins and lactic acids, are dairy in nature" (Lustig 140). If these materials come in contact with the food, then the item is no longer kosher. It is important for these inks to be certified as kosher."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of eating and buying organic foods. It looks at the reasons that organic food has become popular and discusses the social pressures that are associated with organic foodconsumption. The paper also discusses the advantages for the individual of eating organic foods and how people may be changing society by choosing to buy organic.
From the Paper "Society decides what foods they will eat including whether they choose to become healthier or to become unhealthy. Buying organic food is one way the society can make a difference in changing from unhealthy people to people who care about what they eat. Allen and Kobach states, "The notion that social goods such as environmental preservation can be procured through the market is well established in various approaches of environmental economics" (2000, 222). The question might be asked how a person can make a difference. Things in society change when people focus on spending their money as a statement. Allen and Kovavh state, "As Green Consumers, you have the right and responsibility to vote - with your dollars - on how well businesses are doing these things: how successfully they are addressing the issues you believe are important to your life" (2000, 222). Money often does the talking."
Abstract This paper describes the social science of economics and its sub-category of microecionomics. The factors of supply and demand, their curves and the variables that affect them are focused upon. The paper also examines the WHO/FAO article "Global and Regional FoodConsumption Patterns" that analyzes the factors affecting foodconsumption patterns and trends. The paper highlights how these factors can have a serious impact upon the utility of consumers.
From the Paper "Economics is an integral part of modern society; it has the power to dictate whether or not people and countries prosper or struggle. The concepts associated with economics, therefore, are very important, as they are the ones that decide who gets what and how much of it. Throughout history there have been various types of economic systems and principles, however, the modern world operates around the doctrines of mixed capitalistic economy. This means that factors of more than one type of economy are employed and intermingled with characteristics from another economic theory or idea (EconomyWatch, 2008)."
Abstract In this article, the writer explores overeating and produces a workable list of behavior modification techniques that might apply to a patient who has difficulty controlling foodconsumption. The writer notes that overeating is a nationwide problem in the US that has been on the rise for several decades. Further, the writer points out that people overeat for many reasons and one of the difficulties in addressing the issue is the fact that humans need to consume food to survive, therefore unlike drug use or drinking it cannot be completely cut out of one's life as a form of behavior modification. The writer concludes that using techniques such as stress management, self monitoring, and social support are behavior modification steps that can be used to help a person reduce the incidence of overeating.
From the Paper "Overeating is often a difficult problem to address because the behavior modifications cannot include things that will help a person stop the activity completely. Unlike drug use, smoking cigarettes or chronic tardiness, one cannot completely stop eating and thereby remove the undesirable activity from their life completely. One must have food to sustain life therefore there is no way to completely remove it. It will always been needed and necessary and for those who have difficulty controlling their impulses it will always be there as a temptation for the undesired behavior to continue, in this case overeating. While this makes it a difficult behavior to change it can be done through the implementation of behavior modification techniques. "
"One of the first steps in behavior modification is self monitoring. This requires the person to become aware of their target behaviors by keeping a diary or journal about their eating habits."
Abstract This paper discusses the pros and cons of genetically modified (GM)foods. The paper looks at one view that considers these foods as being an environmental and health risk and the contrasting view that it is the best hope of survival for millions of people in underdeveloped regions. The paper then argues that both views have merit and that a third more accommodating view should be adopted with regard to GM foods. The paper concludes by asking for a cautious approach to the problem as it carries many 'unknowns' and may not be worth the risk.
From the Paper "We should therefore take cognizance of these warnings. They cannot simply be waived away as just alarmist speculation. It was not so long ago that DDT, an insecticide that was for many years considered to be safe, was found to affect human breast milk and was banned from public use in 1972. We should therefore heed scientists who claim that, "we aren't yet sure what kinds of effects these foods could have on humans, on similar plants, or on the environment. Until we're sure, they should be avoided."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of food safety. It analyzes issues related to food safety, 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
Food Safety
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 The paper aims to examine whether the Chinese international students of Vancouver face serious food security concerns within their community. The paper discusses an interview that was conducted with a sample of the population and relates the general finding that although the students felt that the safety of Vancouver food itself was not compromised, their lack of knowledge regarding their food items and their poor English meant that the safety of their own diets were compromised. The paper discusses how changes should be implemented in government action. The paper concludes that as all people have the right to live with food security, so must the international students in Vancouver have a right to safe food choices and practices. The paper includes a sample of the questionnaire as well as interviewee responses compiled in table form as appendices.
From the Paper "The issue of food security, even in a country as advanced and westernized as Canada, is a cause for growing concern amongst Canadian citizens. Though a series of federal government initiatives and international meetings have resulted in the development of federal guidelines requiring certain food security standards, local and provincial action concerning these guidelines has been called into question. Vancouver, though it is not the capital of British Columbia, is the most populous city in the province. The city is a thriving urban centre which provides food for almost 2.2 million Vancouverites, including a large minority of international travelers and students. For those migrating to Vancouver, food security concerns and practices are a potential problem."
Tags: diets, health, meals, snacks, stores, consumption, language
Abstract This paper takes a look at the restaurant industry in Australia and the international food trends for the year 2008. The author looks at how staple foods of Australia such as beef has gone beyond the typical cuts and is now available in more choices such as wagyu cattle. The author also explores how and why top grade Spanish hams are now listed on many entree menus in Australia - clearly an indication of Spanish influence. In addition to analyzing why the consumption of chicken is increasing in Australia more so now than ever, the paper also analyzes the increased interest in Asian cuisine, noting that as Australians become more health conscious, Asian takeaway becomes a more viable option than fast food. All of these influences also result in a new trend of fusion food with which chefs in Australia are experimenting.
From the Paper "The food service industry is traditionally defined as the sale of drinks and food for immediate consumption by the consumer. These can either be consumed on the premises that they were purchased from, or in eating areas that are designated and shared with other food service operators. This industry also includes takeaways transactions that are freshly prepared for immediate consumer consumption. The Australian food service industry is growing."
Tags:food industry, trends influences, international cuisine
Abstract This paper studies current research on the impact of drinking alcohol on one's decision to engage in risky sexual behavior. The paper's extensive literature review indicates that despite the social stigma that may be associated with certain drinking and sexual behavior activities, there remains strong social and peer pressure to participate in both activities. The paper also demonstrates how the linkage between consumption of alcohol and sexual activity begins at relatively young ages in American and western culture. The author of this paper attempts to clarify statistics regarding drinking and sexual behavior, as well as recommendations regarding the connection. Specifically, high-risk sexual behavior among various age and social groups is addressed, such as sexual rebellion and conformity, compulsive or uneducated choices, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual assault.
From the Paper "The University of Arkansas for Medical Studies has found that attitudes about appropriate sexual behavior, as well as those regarding appropriate alcohol consumption, are formed in youth at a very young age, and by the preteen years children have already developed a unique attitude regarding these subjects. A Thomson Healthcare Company (2004) report reveals that risky behavior may be minimized in adolescents and young adults if parents were to discuss standards and beliefs on sexual and other issues with children at a younger age, because relating these values to older children is not as effective. Alcohol use has been shown to lead to early initiation of sexual activity, as well as being related to the number of sexual partners that preteens and adolescents will have, particularly in high-risk groups. These high-risk youth groups include inner-city females, males in detention homes, and gay and bisexual males. Alcohol is not the only substance that is prevalent in these high-risk groups; marijuana is also associated with altered sexual statistics. Intervention treatment for youths to help curb consumption of alcohol may also help delay sexual activity, or decrease the number of sexual partners and overall risk associated with sexual activity, are encouraged as early as 9 to 12 years of age."
Tags: sex rape sexual assault drinking beer risk aids sexually trans, otted disease teenager underage
