(1) Write a word equation for photosynthesis.
(2) Where do plants get the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium they need for healthy growth?
(3) If there are lots of weeds growing in the field why do plants grow less well?
(4) What chemicals are used by intensive farmers to increase soil fertility and make sure there crops grow well?
(in sunlight)
(1) carbon dioxide + water glucose + oxygen
(2) Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are taken up by the roots of plants from the soil.
(3) Weeds compete with the crop for water, light, and nutrients in the soil.
(4) Fertilisers, pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and molluscicides…slug pellets).
(1) What are the main stages of the food chain of industry ?
(2) To make our food more sustainable, what factors must be considered ?
(1) Planting, growing, harvesting, processing, transporting.
(2) Fertilisers, food miles, energy consumption during processing, packaging.
(1) What is an E number ?
(2) What part does the law play in food safety ?
(3) Explain why the food industry adds chemicals during processing.
(1) E numbers shows that the food additive has passed a safety test.
(2) Strict laws govern what can be added into food.
(3) During the processing stage, flavors and colours are lost. Additives are used to preseve and stabilise the product.
(1) Make a table with two columns. Give each column a heading; advantages of intensive farming and the disadvantages of intensive farming. List 3 for each.
(2) Now do the same for organic farming.
(1) Advantages: cheaper food, more food from the same land, uniform quality of products, products free of bugs and blemishes.
Disadvantages: use of energy resources, environmental and health impacts of pesticides, effect of fertilizers on rivers and lakes.
(2) Advantages: limited use of pesticides (which some consumers think is important), less environmental impact of farm chemicals, mixed farming so wastes are recycled and do not have to be disposed of in other ways, less soil erosion, better animal welfare, and better tasting, healthier food (though this is not accepted by everyone or necessarily supported by scientific evidence).
Disadvantages: lower yields, food more expensive, more losses due to pests, products may have blemishes and be uneven in quality.
(1) Name the two types of food sensitivity.
(2) Why is it important to seek medical advice if you think you have a food sensitivity problem?
(3) If you suffer from Coeliac disease (gluten intolerance) what precautions should you take when eating out?
Useful website (FSA – Foods Standards agency) www.food.gov.uk (1) Food intolerance and food allergy.
(2) If you think you have a food allergy or intolerance, then it’s important to get a proper diagnosis as you should not cut food groups out of your diet without medical advice because you could miss out on important nutrients.
(3) Tell the restaurant when you book
