Food and Beverage Key Terms

Ensure that your company complies with food safety guidelines by understanding industry terms

Throughout the life cycle of foods that are sold for public use, there are procedures, rules and regulations that must be followed. These all contain specific terms that may need further explanation or clarification.

In order to ensure that all food products meet or exceed these standards, you must understand the terms common in the food and beverage industry. Once you understand them, you can pass your knowledge on to your employees and contacts. Not only will this improve your quality standards, it gives your customers the opportunity to see your company's professionalism.

 

Food additives

A food additive is anything that is added to a food that doesn't naturally occur in that particular food. Color, flavor and preservatives are some food additives.
Try: You can find information about food additives on the US Food and Drug Administration website.

Organic

Organic food is any food that is grown without using artificial or synthetic herbicides and pesticides. In order to be classified as organic, the food must also be grown in undisturbed soil, meaning that the soil hasn't been exposed to inorganic chemicals.
Try: Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association offers detailed information about organic foods and how to grow organic vegetables.

Genetically altered foods, genetically engineered foods

Genetically altered foods, which are sometimes called genetically engineered foods, are any foods in which the genetic makeup is altered. This may be done by adding foreign materials into the food's genetic makeup. However, taking away part of the genetic code of that food is also genetically altered food.
Try: AllRefer.com provides information about genetically engineered foods.

Food-borne illness

Anytime that a person gets sick after eating, they have a food-borne illness. Just one instance of food-borne illness can negatively affect a food and beverage establishment. Practicing food safety measures is the the only way to minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses affecting your customers.
Try: A detailed explanation of food-borne illness is offered on the DuPage County Health Department website.

Federal Alcohol Administration Act

The Federal Alcohol Administration Act is a set of regulations for food and beverage establishments that serve alcohol. It provides rules for issuing permits and labeling regulations for alcoholic beverages.
Try: The US Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau provides information about how the Federal Alcohol Administration Act protects consumers and the integrity of the alcohol industry.

Nutritional labels

Nutritional labels are required to be on certain foods, including processed foods and some meet. These labels must contain information including the calorie count and amount of trans fat per serving to help consumers ensure they are eating as healthy as possible.
Try: The American Heart Association and Registrar Corp both offer information about nutritional labels.

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