Food to me at The Beginning
At the beginning of the semester, I described food as an essential product in human life, providing the energy needed for daily survival. I also saw food as a symbol of connection; a bridge to other cultures and a universal language that fosters relationships among people and even between humans and animals. While these ideas remain true, my perspective on food has deepened and expanded significantly over the last three months. Through discussions of contemporary issues in food science, I have come to view food not only as a source of nourishment and connection but also as a complex, multifaceted element that shapes and reflects our world. Over the past few months, my understanding of food has grown to include its role in addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. Topics such as sustainability, obesity, and world hunger highlighted how food systems intersect with health, the environment, and equity. I now see food as a powerful tool for change, and a way to address global problems through innovation, ethical production, and education. For instance, our exploration of sustainability showed me how interconnected food production is with environmental health. I learned about the ecological costs of conventional farming, including greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and deforestation, and how alternatives like plant-based diets or lab-grown meat could help mitigate these impacts. This knowledge transformed the way I think about my own food choices and the broader implications of what we consume as a society. Similarly, our discussions on food psychology opened my eyes to how individual behavior and societal norms influence eating habits. I found it fascinating to learn how factors like packaging design, marketing, and cultural traditions shape our food preferences and consumption patterns. This understanding has made me more conscious of how I make choices about food and how those choices are influenced by external factors.
Most Familiar Topic: Food Safety
Among the topics we covered, food safety was the most familiar to me. Before the course, I had a basic understanding of the importance of preventing contamination, allergen labeling, and foodborne illness prevention. However, this course provided deeper insights into the complexities of global food safety systems, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, I gained a better understanding of how supply chain disruptions can impact food safety and the importance of implementing rigorous standards at every level of food production. These discussions reinforced my belief that food safety is a foundational component of public health.
Least Familiar Topic: Novel Foods and Edible Cannabis
The least familiar topics to me were novel foods and edible cannabis. Before this course, I had limited knowledge of the science and regulatory challenges behind these emerging areas. Learning about novel foods, such as lab-grown meat and protein made from air, was particularly exciting because it showcased the innovative potential of food science to create sustainable and nutritious alternatives. The discussions on edible cannabis were equally eye-opening. I had not considered the complexities of producing, labeling, and regulating cannabis foods. It was fascinating to explore how these products balance consumer safety, accurate dosing, and the growing demand for functional foods that serve both recreational and medicinal purposes. These topics broadened my understanding of how food science is adapting to meet changing consumer needs and preferences.
Food as a Reflection of Global Challenges
Perhaps the most impactful realization I’ve had is how food systems reflect and contribute to global challenges like obesity and world hunger. For example, I learned that addressing obesity requires systemic solutions, such as improving access to healthy foods, reforming marketing practices, and creating supportive environments for healthier lifestyles. At the same time, tackling world hunger is not just about producing more food but about equitable distribution and reducing food waste. These discussions made me realize that food is a powerful lens through which we can understand societal priorities. It is both a mirror of our current challenges and a means to address them.
Conclusion
At the end, I am now understand food as a dynamic, multifaceted entity that plays a central role in health, sustainability, and innovation. This course has transformed how I view food as its no longer just as sustenance but as a vehicle for addressing global issues and driving change. The topics we explored, from food safety to novel foods, have equipped me with a deeper appreciation of the complexities and possibilities within food science. As I move forward in my studies and career, I am excited to apply this knowledge to help create food systems that are not only safe and nutritious but also sustainable and equitable for future generations.