Aspects of the Australian Food Industry

H3.1: Investigates operations of ONE organisation within the AFI.- Describe the activities carried out in ONE organisation within the AFI.

H1.4: Evaluates the impact of the operation of an organisation within the Australian Food Industry on the individual, society and environment.

- Evaluate the impact of the operation of an organisation on individuals, society and the environment.

Syllabus Link

Impacts on Society

How does the AFI Impact on Society?● People in modern day society, have a vast array of food to choose from and outlets to purchase it from.

Getting food and consuming it is fairly easy.

● Most people do not produce their own food, they rely on the food industry to supply them with

necessary items.

● The eating and lifestyle patterns of Australian consumers have changed dramatically over the past 50

years and the AFI consistently responds to these changes.

Lifestyle Changes There is an interrelationship between lifestyle changes and developments in the AFI.

- Production of convenience foods -> more leisure time.

- Increase in women working and less time for food prep -> improved cooking technologies such as home

meal replacements and microwave ovens.

- Increased awareness of health -> health foods that are low in fat, high in fibre.

- People with busy lifestyles -> breakfast shakes and stir fry kits.

- Developments in scientific research -> increased production of organic farming and genetically

modified foods.

- Immigration patterns & people travelling overseas -> multicultural mix of cuisines.

How has the AFI responded to Lifestyle Changes?The AFI has allowed consumers to focus on other aspects of their lives, such as; work and family

commitments, rather than spending time buying food.

The AFI has made it easier for consumers to buy food by;

● Introducing Internet Shopping.

● Introducing Food Retail Outlets in Frequent Locations.

● Extending Trading Hours - e.g: McDonalds operates 24 hours.

● Home Delivery.

● Facilities for the Elderly or Disabled.

How has the AFI responded to Lifestyle Changes?My Food BagA home delivery service where they send you a bag with ingredients and easy to follow recipes every sunday. The bag contains enough ingredients to prepare 5 meals throughout the week.

How has the AFI positively impacted on society?● The biggest influence on Australian society is migration. Migration and travel have provided people

with the opportunity to sample a variety of food from different cultures.

● Our cuisine today is heavily influenced by European and Asian influences, and this is reflected in our

food options in supermarkets.

How has the AFI negatively impacted on society?● The continued variety available, particularly of processed foods, has led to some people making unwise

choices that have led to health problems.

● Multinational food companies are in the position of power, controlling what is produced, how much is

produced and when it is produced.

● Through media and advertising, many businesses dictate what is in our supermarket shelves and in our

fast food outlets.

● There is a cost to society in terms of obesity and health-related issues.

Statistics - Aust. Institute of Health & Welfare● 63% of Australian adults are overweight or obese. Almost 2 in 3!!

● 10% more adults are overweight or obese today than in 1995.

● 25% of Australian children are overweight or obese.

Other ways that the AFI negatively impacts on Society● There are added preservatives and colours in a range

of foods.

● The food industry also uses vast amounts of fossil

fuels and produces poisonous wastes at all levels of

the food production chain; leading to water pollution,

damage to our ecosystems, soil degradation and

water shortages.

How does the AFI impact on Society? - SummaryPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

Nutrition labels - allows consumers to make more

informed choices e.g. assessing the fat content for a

low fat diet; assessing the sugar content for diabetes.

Food waste - due to an abundance in our food supply.

4 million tonnes of food that ends up as landfill (That’

s 4,000 million kilograms a year).

Healthy convenience foods: meals e.g. lean cuisine;

gluten free options for allergies/intolerances; snacks

e.g: SPC Ardmona Fruit Crush Ups.

More automation for manufacturing food, therefore

less jobs for people.

Organic food production - greater choice of organic

foods available resulting in less damage to the

environment and greater health benefits (less

chemicals).

Food product range of unhealthy snacks has led to

more diet-related illnesses, e.g. heart disease,

diabetes.

HSC Question - 2013Which of the following best addresses concerns about the availability of landfill sites?

A. Installing solar panels.

B. Reducing overall packaging.

C. Decreasing factory emissions.

D. Using biodegradable packaging.

HSC Question - 2014Which of the following has contributed most to decreased employment in the food retail sector?

A. Online Shopping

B. Self-serve Checkouts

C. Extended Trading Hours

D. Greater Availability of Food Items

HSC Question -2015Functional foods have been developed to:

A. Address environmental concerns.

B. Utilise technological developments.

C. Meet market concerns about health.

D. Provide convenience for consumers.

HSC Question - 2001Food manufacturers have responded to concerns about environmental issues by increasing the use of which of the following?

A. Food Additives

B. Fresh Ingredients

C. Organic Fertilisers

D. Biodegradable Packaging

Case Study: SPC ArdmonaSPC Ardmona POSITIVELY impacts on Society by;

● SPC Ardmona is wholly committed to providing consumers with a

range of products to help meet their nutritional and energy needs,

anywhere and anytime. Example; Canned Banned Beans with

Tomato Sauce.

● Their useful nutritional information on all their products makes it

easier for consumer to incorporate SPC Ardmona’s products into a

balanced everyday diet.

● At SPC Ardmona, their purpose is to produce naturally good food,

with a goal to create a sustainable and profitable business for

generations to come.

Case Study: SPC ArdmonaInitiatives:

● SPC Ardmona is the biggest donor to United Way Goulburn Valley Community Fund which raises

funds locally. This organisation raises money and distributes the funds to local charities and health and

care organisations.

● Foodbank Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that distributes food and grocery donations to

welfare agencies which feed the hungry. SPC Ardmona is continuing its regular $200,000 commitment

every year.

● KidsTown Adventure Playground is an innovative and fun community project located in the bushland

between Shepparton and Mooroopna.

Case Study: SPC ArdmonaSPC Ardmona NEGATIVELY impacts on Society by;

● Although SPC Ardmona aims to develop nutritious food products, the sugar, sodium and fat content of

their snack foods are still quite high. Example below of ‘Fruit Crush Ups’ Nutritional Label. This food

item, in particular, is advertised as being nutritious.

● ‘Fruit Crush Up’ compared to a fun size Mars Bar.