EPA Knowledge Quiz: Food Safety and Sustainability

Vitamins and Allergens

• Fat-soluble vitamins include D, E, K, and A.
• The Food Information Regulations and Food Label Regulations mandate the declaration of 14 allergens on food packaging.

Sensory Analysis and Pest Control

• Discrimination testing is a sensory analysis technique used to identify differences between product samples.
• Physical pest control techniques incorporate methods such as trapping, physical barriers, and sanitation.

Kaizen Event Benefits

• Three benefits of small incremental change are:
  • Continuous improvement in processes
  • Enhanced employee engagement and involvement
  • Reduced waste and operational efficiency
• Three benefits of teamwork in a Kaizen event feature:
  • Diverse perspectives leading to innovative solutions
  • Improved communication and collaboration
  • Stronger commitment to shared objectives

Sustainability in Food Business

• Six strategies to run a food business sustainably include:
  • Sourcing local ingredients
  • Minimizing waste through efficient processes
  • Implementing energy-efficient practices
  • Using sustainable packaging
  • Engaging with the community
  • Ensuring water conservation

Ethical Factors and Societal Impact

• Two ethical factors include:
  • Fair labor practices ensuring employee rights
  • Environmental responsibility minimizing ecological footprint
• Two ways to reduce societal impact are:
  • Supporting local charities or initiatives
  • Implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs

Sensory Panel Planning

• Three parts of planning a sensory panel consist of:
  • Defining objectives for the panel
  • Selecting appropriate panelists
  • Developing testing protocols and procedures

Tim Wood Model

• The Tim Wood model identifies seven types of waste—Transport, Inventory, Motion, Waiting, Overproduction, Overprocessing, and Defects.
• It is used to analyze processes and implement changes to minimize defects and reduce waste.

Types of Costs

• Costs can be categorized into direct costs (linked directly to production), indirect costs (not directly attributed to production), overhead costs (ongoing expenses like utilities), and administrative costs (expenses related to office management).

Data Types

• Primary data is collected firsthand, while secondary data is gathered from existing sources.
• Qualitative data provides descriptive insights, whereas quantitative data involves numerical analysis.

TVC Testing Purpose

• TVC (Total Viable Count) testing assesses the microbial load to ensure food safety and quality.

HACCP Regulation

• The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system is regulated under food safety legislation to identify and manage food hazards.

Chart Types

• A pie chart is best suited for representing percentages effectively.

Bacteria Information

• Bacillus cereus is an example of a spore-forming bacteria.
• Listeria monocytogenes can be life-threatening.
• The incubation period refers to the time between exposure to a pathogen and the onset of symptoms.

Mogden Formula and Sensory Testing

• The Mogden formula provides a method for calculating wastewater treatment costs.
• A difference testing sensory test shows variations between product samples, indicating preferences or quality complaints.

Food Regulation and Profit Margins

• The Control of Pesticides Regulations address poisons used in pest control.
• Profit margin is calculated by subtracting the cost of goods sold from sales revenue.

Food Regulation and Performance Monitoring

• The Food Standards Agency regulates food safety in the UK.
• Performance monitoring is often carried out through regular audits and feedback mechanisms.

Risk Control Legislation

• The Equality Act protects individuals from discrimination within workplaces.

Protein Intake and Pest Control Action

• Daily protein intake recommendations vary but generally advocate for around 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.
• Annual pest control actions should include inspections and preventive measures to mitigate infestations.

Statistical Trials in Product Transfer

• Statistically based trials are valuable during the transfer of products to ensure consistency and quality assurance.

Root Cause Analysis

• Root Cause Analysis is a systematic process for identifying the underlying causes of problems to prevent recurrence.

Supplier Considerations

• Six considerations when choosing a raw material supplier are:
  • Quality of materials
  • Reliability and track record
  • Compliance with regulations
  • Cost and pricing structure
  • Proximity to production facilities
  • Sustainability practices

Continuous Improvement

• Benefits of Incremental Continuous Improvement include enhanced efficiency, employee morale, and quality assurance.
• Achieving it can occur through regular training sessions and encouraging feedback from staff.

Supply Chain Stages

• Four stages of the supply chain from Field to Fork include:
  • Sourcing raw materials
  • Processing and manufacturing
  • Distribution and logistics
  • Retail and consumer delivery

Product Development Risk Controls

• Steps in the hierarchy of risk controls during new product development consist of:
  • Elimination of risks where possible
  • Substitution with safer alternatives
  • Implementation of engineering controls
  • Administrative changes and training
  • Personal protective equipment as a last resort.

Test your knowledge on essential EPA topics, including vitamin classifications, allergen legislation, sensory analysis techniques, and physical pest control methods. This quiz also covers principles of Kaizen and sustainability in food businesses.