9781422281345

In the United States during 2015, 150 different food products were recalled from store shelves. Many of these products contained undeclared substances that were capable of caus- ing dangerous allergic reactions in some people. In total, 21,104,848 pounds of food was recalled. Other reasons for recalls included harmful bacteria, unnecessary material, and processing defects.

preserved so that they last longer without spoiling. Food tech- nology applies food science in practical ways to select foods, process and preserve them, and distribute them to customers. Food technology is more obviously at work in highly processed, packaged meals such as convenience foods —also known as ready-made meals, prepared meals, prepackaged meals, or TV dinners—yet it also affects almost all of the food we eat. A strawberry bought from a store may look as if it has

12

Food Technology