iGCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition CAIE

This subject is broken down into 36 topics in 8 modules:

  1. Food and good nutrition 7 topics
  2. Dietary needs at different life stages 3 topics
  3. Cooking methods and their impact on nutrients 3 topics
  4. Sensory qualities of food 3 topics
  5. Food safety 5 topics
  6. Food choices 4 topics
  7. Food commodity groups 6 topics
  8. Food preparation and cooking techniques 5 topics
Study this subject in the Adapt App →
  • 8
    modules
  • 36
    topics
  • 13,789
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

A preview of iGCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition CAIE in the Adapt app

Adapt is a revision planning app with full content coverage and unlimited past paper questions for 1,200+ GCSE and A Level subjects.

Study this subject in the Adapt app →

Food Preparation and Nutrition

Food and good nutrition

The importance of a balanced and varied diet

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

The importance of a balanced and varied diet

The Importance of a Balanced and Varied Diet

Overview

  • A balanced and varied diet is vital for maintaining good health and preventing diseases.
  • It provides individuals with the essential nutrients needed for the body to function properly.
  • A proper diet is one in which all the different food groups are consumed in right proportions.

Promotes Growth and Development

  • Balanced diets supply the necessary proteins for growth and repair of tissues; hence, critical for children and adolescents.
  • Consuming adequate vitamins and minerals supports normal growth and development, especially during the early stages of life.

Energy Provision

  • A balanced and varied diet provides energy for daily activities and bodily functions, attained from carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
  • For example, carbohydrates are the body’s primary sources of energy, providing fuel for your muscles and brain.

Disease Prevention

  • High-fibre foods, such as whole grain cereals and fruits, improve gut health and prevent constipation.
  • Adequate intake of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals help to boost the immune system, making the body resistant to infection.
  • Consuming a balanced diet can help control or prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain types of cancer.

Maintains Healthy Body Weight

  • A balanced diet helps to maintain a healthy body weight by providing the right amount of nutrients the body needs without unnecessary excesses.
  • It is crucial to eat balanced meals and avoid excessive intake of some nutrients, especially saturated and trans fats, sugars and salt, to prevent obesity.

Mental Well-being

  • Certain nutrients found in a balanced and varied diet such as B vitamins, Omega 3 fatty acids and amino acid tryptophan are linked to good mental health.
  • Lack of these nutrients may result in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Note: Above all, remember that all individuals have different nutritional needs. These depend on age, sex, size, physical activity level and overall health. Therefore, what counts as a balanced diet may vary slightly for everyone. It is always important to consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian to determine what a balanced and varied diet means for your specific needs.

Course material for Food Preparation and Nutrition, module Food and good nutrition, topic The importance of a balanced and varied diet

Food Preparation and Nutrition

Food safety

Food handling and storage

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Food handling and storage

Basics of Food Handling and Storage

  • Food handling and storage plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and quality of the food we eat.
  • It involves managing food perishability, protecting food from contamination, and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.

Guiding Principles of Food Handling

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling food, after touching raw food, and after using the bathroom.
  • Always keep food preparation areas, including cutting boards and utensils, clean and sanitised to avoid the risk of cross-contamination.
  • Avoid touching your hair, face, and clothes while handling food.
  • Wear clean and appropriate clothing, such as a kitchen apron, when preparing food.
  • Ensure that all ingredients used are not beyond their expiry date. This can prevent the chances of foodborne illnesses.

Food Storage

  • Always store raw food items separately from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Keep perishable foods like meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products in the refrigerator as soon as possible, and always store them at the correct temperature (below 5°C).
  • Use covered containers for storing food to protect from contamination.
  • Store dry goods, such as cereals, pasta, and flour, in a cool, dry, and clean place.
  • Never store food on the floor. Always use shelves and keep food at least 15 cm above the floor.
  • Regularly rotate your food stock (FIFO - First In, First Out) to ensure quality and freshness. Use older food supplies before newer ones.

Important Considerations

  • High-risk foods, including ready-to-eat meals, cooked rice and pasta, and seafood, demand special care during preparation and storage.
  • Hot food must be kept at temperatures of 63°C or above and chilled food at 8°C or below to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezing does not kill bacteria, it merely stops them from multiplying. Always cook food thoroughly to ensure safety.
  • Foods that have been out of refrigerator for two hours are in the 'Danger Zone' (between 8°C and 63°C) which is the perfect environment for bacteria to flourish.
  • Food safety laws also apply to food stored at home, be mindful of the UK Food Safety Act 1990 for best practices on handling and storage.

Course material for Food Preparation and Nutrition, module Food safety, topic Food handling and storage

Can I trust Adapt’s expertise?

Adapt is already used by over 600,000 students and trusted by over 3,000 schools. Our exam-specific content and assessments are meticulously crafted by expert teachers and examiners.

Find out more about the Adapt app →

Planner

An always up-to-date revision timetable.

A personalised, flexible revision timetable that stays up-to-date automatically.

Content

All the exam resources, in one place.

Over 20,000 topics broken down into manageable lessons with teacher-written, exam-specific lessons.

Assessment

Past-paper questions, with instant feedback.

Unlimited past paper questions with instant examiner feedback on how to improve.

Progress

Track progress, together.

Progress tracking to stay motivated, with real-time updates to the Parent Portal.

Download the app today to start revising for free.