1. List three reasons why food processing is important. 2. Give an example of a food item that undergoes primary.secondary, and tertiary processing. 3. Explain how food processing can impact food safety.

1. Three reasons why food processing is important are:<br />a. Preservation: Food processing helps in preserving food for a longer period by using methods such as canning, freezing, drying, and pickling. This ensures that the food remains safe and edible even after a long time.<br />b. Convenience: Food processing makes food more convenient for consumers by providing ready-to-eat products, pre-cut vegetables, and pre-cooked meals. This saves time and effort in preparing meals.<br />c. Nutrient enhancement: Food processing can also be used to enhance the nutritional value of food by adding vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. This helps in meeting the dietary requirements of individuals and improving public health.<br /><br />2. An example of a food item that undergoes primary, secondary, and tertiary processing is cheese.<br />a. Primary processing: In the primary processing stage, raw milk is pasteurized and then fermented to produce curd. The curd is then drained and washed to obtain fresh cheese.<br />b. Secondary processing: In the secondary processing stage, the fresh cheese is further processed by adding ingredients such as salt, cream, and flavorings. The cheese is then molded and aged to develop its flavor and texture.<br />c. Tertiary processing: In the tertiary processing stage, the cheese is further processed by slicing, packaging, and marketing it for consumer consumption.<br /><br />3. Food processing can impact food safety in several ways. Firstly, it can help in reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses by eliminating harmful bacteria and other microorganisms through processes such as pasteurization, canning, and freezing. Secondly, food processing can also help in reducing the risk of contamination by ensuring proper hygiene and sanitation practices during the processing stage. However, if not done properly, food processing can also lead to the introduction of harmful chemicals and additives into the food, which can pose a risk to human health. Therefore, it is important to ensure that food processing is done in a safe and controlled manner to minimize any potential risks to food safety.