How Food is Made. Understanding Food Processing Technologies

Offered By: EIT Food via FutureLearn

Course Description

Overview

Learn more about processing technologies and the foods that are affected

Please note this course runs without facilitation

Food processing isn’t a new concept, however, many people might not understand how and why it happens. On this course, you will improve your knowledge of food processing technologies and build confidence in the processed foods on the market.

You will cover the history of food processing, from its origins to current modern industrial processes. You will explore the advantages and disadvantages of food processing technologies and understand their impact on health, safety, quality, and sustainability. Upon completing this course, you will feel empowered to make more informed decisions about the food you eat.

(Please note that the term ‘food processing’ is also often used to describe the formulation of food products and the addition of extra ingredients such as preservatives, stabilizers, fortifiers and flavourings. This course focuses on the technologies rather than the formulation.)

This course is for anyone interested in learning more about the food they eat.

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge on this topic, you might also find of interest the following EIT Food courses on sustainable food production and farming systems:

Improving Food Production with Agricultural Technology and Plant Biotechnology
Trust in Our Food: Understanding Food Supply Systems
Explore How Farmers Produce Food Sustainably
Innovation in Arable Farming: Technologies for Sustainable Farming Systems
Revolutionising The Food Chain With Technology

Syllabus

Why do we process food?

Welcome
What is food processing?
Why do we process food?
Reflections

How do we process food?

Welcome to Week 2
Homogenisation, Pasteurisation, Canning
Drying and smoking
Reflections

How is the food industry innovating?

Welcome to Week 3
Innovative techniques
Packaging
Reflections

How does the EU ensure our food is safe, nutritious and sustainable?

Welcome to Week 4
How and why regulations are made
What do UK consumers think about food processing?
Do we need food processing?

Taught by

Vivien Bodereau