GCSE REVISION NOTES

AQA FOOD EXAM2009

Food wordsHACCP

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points

How to store food, limit cross contamination and health and safety – i.e.

Blue plasters and magnets to remove foreign bodies.

HazardA hazard is anything that will cause harm

to the consumer

AnalysisAnalysis is when you look in detail at

something

CriticalCritical means it is very serious.

Control pointsA control point is a step in the process

where hazards or risks are likely to occur

COSHHControl of

Substances Hazardous to

Health

Correct storage of chemicals

including bleach, washing up liquids and

cleaning fluids. Also DATA

sheets saying how to deal with

spills , swallowed and or chemicals in

cuts or eyes.

Cross-contamination

This is wear food of different sorts touch each other and bacteria is able to move from one food to another. i.e.

Raw meet dripping blood on to a salad in a refrigerator, this can cause food poisoning.

Risk assessmentControls and assessment – putting in place safety measures to limit injury

or illness.

HazardAnything that could go wrong during buying/ storing/ making/ packaging/

transport of a product that is a hazard

Risk

The risk is the likelihood of it happening

Risk assessment

Risk assessment means thinking about: what could happen/ when it could happen and taking steps to

prevent it happening.

Key wordsVegetarian / vegetarianism.People who chose for a moral, religious or health reason to exclude meat from their diets. (this can include fish, shellfish, animal meats and poultry) .

VeganPeople who eat no animal products including meat, dairy (from animals milk) eggs and fish. Many vegans avoid wearing animal products also.

Gluten

Is found in grass related grains, wheat, maize, rice ,rye and barley. People who have an allergy towards gluten should avoid these foods and or eat alternatives.

Standard components

A bought in pre-made ingredient which can be used in the production of food.

Benefits of a standard component. •Produced to work the same each time•Produced to taste the same each time•Produced to weight the same each time. (with a tolerance level).

•Standard components include•Stock cubes•Marzipan•Rolly icing sugar•Roll out pastry.•Etc.

Lactose Intolerance

Is an allergy towards milk it can cause suffers to suffer from allergic reactions and in some cases this can cause convulsions.

Peanut allergyThis often effects small children and as a health warning children under 3 years due to the effects the allergy can cause.

Key words

Smart products

Smart foods are foods that have been developed using new and improved processes, and often human intervention. Examples of smart foods are instant desserts. Genetically modified foods are examples of smart foods.Smart foods can be:foods with new molecular structures, such as modified starches and sweeteners functional foods e.g. probiotic yoghurts, cholesterol-lowering spreads and fortified eggs meat analogues e.g. tofu, textured vegetable protein, mycoprotein modern biotechnology e.g. soya bean, tomato plant, particular enzymes Smart foods could:have a special function other than providing the consumer with nutrients and energy. perform a function that cannot be done by normal foods. have been invented with other uses in mind before being made available to the general public. The British Nutrition Foundation has a powerpoint presentation on Smart Foods.

Genetically Modified FoodsFoods that have been altered genetically to contain one trait or other. Normally to be resilience against bacteria or pests. GM foods first went on sale in 1990’s. If a field has been used for GM crops it must be left for 7 years before it can be used for organic food crops.

Food plate

5 a day fruit and veg.A portion of fruit or veg is about the size of your clenched fist.

3 a day Dairy portions.

The recommended guidelines say you should not exceed 6g of salt per day

5 a day bread, cereals and potatoes portions.

Sugary and fatty foods small amounts only.

Meat, fish and alternatives.2 or 3 portions a day

Alternative proteins.For people who don’t eat meat or animal products.

TVPTextured vegetable protein (made from soya bean)

QuornA mycoroprotein which is related to the mushroom.TivallMade from wheat and vegetable protein. Its texture is similar to meat.

Tofu and bean curdMade from soya beans.

Recycling symbol

Fair tradeIs an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries earn a liveable wage. Allowing farmers to educate their children and improve their standard of living.

Organic

Organic foods are made according to certain production standards. The use of conventional non-organic pesticides, insecticides and herbicides is greatly restricted and avoided as a last resort. However, contrary to popular belief, certain non-organic fertilisers are still used. If livestock are involved, they must be reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones, and generally fed a healthy diet. In most countries, organic produce may not be genetically modified.Historically, organic farms have been relatively small family-run farms[1] — which is why organic food was once only available in small stores or farmers' markets. However, since the early 1990s organic food production has had growth rates of around 20% a year, far ahead of the rest of the food industry, in both developed and developing nations. As of April 2008, organic food accounts for 1-2% of food sales worldwide.

• As used in professional kitchens, this set of differently coloured chopping boards ensures ideal food hygiene and avoids transfer of flavours between foods. Use the following for the following

• red board for raw meat, • blue for fish, • green for vegetables,• yellow for cooked food.

• Impregnated with an anti-bacterial agent, the polypropylene surface is also kind to knives. Dishwasher Safe. L:34cm, W:25cm.

Cutting boards

Parts of the egg% COMPOSITION OF A WHOLE EGG: 65.5% Water11.8% Protein11.0% Fat11.7% Ash

Egg yolk’s structure•½ water•1/6 protein•1/3 fat•Emulsifiers (lecithin)•All of the eggs vitamins A, D and E are in the yolk. Egg yolks are one of the few foods naturally containing vitamin D. The yolk also contains more phosphorus, manganese, iron, iodine, copper, and calcium than the white, and it contains all of the zinc.

Egg white’s structure.•7/8 water•1/8 protein•0 fat•Niacin, riboflavin, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulphur.

Good source of protein.

Contains vitamins and minerals. Easy to prepare.

Need to be handled with care to avoid food poisoning.

High risk food for pregnant, very young children and elderly people.

The yellow part of the egg is the yolk, the white part is named albumin.

Egg facts

There is no recommended daily amount.

Good choice as part of a healthy balanced diet.

Good source of vitamins D, A , B2 and iodine.

Eggs contain cholesterol – high levels of cholesterol in the blood can cause heart attacks.

Eating raw eggs, runny yolks or food which includes this such as mayonnaise and peppermint creams can cause a food poisoning known as salmonella

To limit exposure to salmonella use pasteurised eggs.

Always wash your hands after touching egg shells. Egg shells are often unwashed and are more likely to carry salmonella than the egg yolk or whites.

Store eggs in a cool place such as the refrigerator.

Eggs are in the meet and nuts section of the food plate, and should make up about 12% of your daily diet.

Bacteria can spread very easily from eggs to other foods, hands, worktops, etc. There can be bacteria on the shell, as well as inside the egg, so you need to be careful how you handle eggs, when they are still in the shell and after you have cracked them

Bacteria can also spread onto worktops, dishes and utensils that are touched by eggs, and then the bacteria can spread to other foods that touch the worktops, dishes or utensils.

Egg facts

So remember to:Keep eggs away from other foods, when they are still in the shell and after you have cracked them. Be careful not to splash egg onto other foods, worktops or dishes. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly after touching eggs or working with them. Clean surfaces, dishes and utensils thoroughly, using warm soapy water, after working with eggs.

Each egg is about 75 -80 Kcals.

Wash hands before and after handling eggs.

Never use dirty, cracked or broken eggs .

Never re-use left –over egg dishes

Cooking eggs properlyIf you cook eggs until both the white and yolk are solid this will kill any bacteria. If you are cooking a dish containing eggs, make sure you cook it until the food is steaming hot all the way through.

If you're concerned, when you're eating out or buying food that isn't labelled and you're not sure whether a food contains raw egg, ask the person serving you.

If you buy commercially produced mayonnaise, salad dressings, sauces, ice cream, desserts, or ready-made icing, these will almost always have been made using pasteurised egg. Check the label but ask if you're not sure.

Egg facts

All the following might contain raw eggs:home-made mayonnaise Béarnaise and hollandaise sauces some salad dressings ice cream icing mousse tiramisu and other dessertsFor the safest choice, you could use pasteurised egg instead (available from some supermarkets), because pasteurisation kills bacteria.

Foods that are made with raw eggs and then not cooked, or only lightly cooked, can cause food poisoning. This is because any bacteria in the eggs won't be killed.

Storing eggs safelyHere are some tips to help you store your eggs safely:Do store eggs in a cool, dry place, ideally in the fridge. Do store eggs away from other foods. It's a good idea to use your fridge's egg tray, if you have one, because this helps to keep eggs separate. Do eat dishes containing eggs as soon as possible after you've prepared them, but if you're not planning to eat them straight away, cool them quickly and then keep them in the fridge. Don't use eggs after their 'best before' date for the safest choice. Don't use eggs with damaged shells, because dirt or bacteria might have got inside them.

Storage

Store eggs away from strong smelling foods.Store eggs away from raw meats.

Store eggs at a constant temperature below 20*c preferably in a refrigerator.

Breakfast

Food that contain eggs

Lunch

Dinner / evening meal

Snack

Spanish omelette

Omelette

Boiled egg

Micro waved

Fried eggs

Salad

Quiche

Flan

Poached Scrambled

Cakes

Biscuits

Peppermint creams

Pies (crust)

Pasties

Scotch egg’s

Buffet

Brunch

meringue

Ice cream

Soup

Meat loaf

Meat balls

Yorkshire pudding

Pan cakes

Lemon curd

Coddled egg

Eggs can bind ingredients as in meatloaves or croquettes. They can also leaven such baked high rises as souffles and sponge cakes. Their thickening talent is seen in custards and sauces. They emulsify mayonnaise, salad dressings and Hollandaise sauce and are, frequently used to coat or glaze breads and cookies. They clarify soups and coffee, in boiled candies and frostings, they retard crystallization. As a finishing touch, they can be hard cooked and used as a garnish.

Egg factsfunctions

Bind (stick together)To hold a variety of parts together. Egg binds breadcrumbs and meat in a meat loaf.LeavenAn agent that works subtly to lighten or modify a whole.

ThickeningEggs coagulate and thicken mixtures such as custards.

Coat or glazeTo add shine and crispness to the surface or to brown the surface as in pastries.

ClarifyRaw egg whites coagulate around foreign particles in a hot liquid.

Retard crystallization Egg thickens and causes crystals which stick together to produce a whole.

GarnishTo add decoration to food such as salads.

AerationEgg whites increase six to eight times in volume . As egg white foam is heated, the air bubbles become stable, enabling foods to rise during the cooking process.

What is salmonella ?• Salmonella is a type of bacteria. It is usually found in poultry, eggs, unprocessed

milk and in meat and water. It may also be carried by pets like turtles and birds.

The salmonella bacteria attacks the stomach and intestines. In more serious cases, the bacteria may enter the lymph tracts, which carry water and protein to the blood, and the blood itself. The bacteria attack all age groups and both sexes. Children, the elderly and people who are already ill are much more likely to get a serious infection.

• What are the symptoms of salmonella poisoning?Diarrhoea or constipation. Headaches. stomach cramps. Nausea and vomiting. Fever. Possibly, blood in the faeces.

Test for freshness• You can test an egg to see how old it is and if its still fresh enough to use.• Mix 2 tablespoons of salt in about 2 cups of water.• Drop the egg gently in to the bowl of the water solution .• If the egg sinks to the bottom and stays there, its about 3 to 6 days old.• Sinks, but floats at an angle, its more than a week old.• Sinks, but then stands on end, its about two weeks old.• Floats , its too old and should be discarded.

• Eggs act this way in water because of the air sac present in all eggs. As the egg ages, the air sac gets larger because the egg shell is a semi-permeable membrane ( allowing air to pass in to the egg over time). The air sac, when large enough, makes the egg float. Eggs are generally good for about three weeks after you buy them.

Best before dates'Best before' dates appear on a wide range of frozen, dried, tinned and other foods. The 'best before' dates are more about quality than safety, except for eggs. So when the date runs out it doesn't mean that the food will be harmful, but it might begin to lose its flavour and texture. About a third of the food we buy ends up being thrown away and most of this could have been eaten. So think carefully before throwing away food that is past its 'best before' date.However, you shouldn't eat eggs after the 'best before' date. This is because eggs can contain salmonella bacteria, which could start to multiply after this date.And remember, the 'best before' date will only be accurate if the food is stored according to the instructions on the label, such as 'store in a cool dry place' or 'keep in the fridge once opened'. So, if you want to enjoy the food at its best, use it by its 'best before' date and make sure you follow any instructions.

Eggs• The Lion Quality mark on egg shells and boxes means that the

eggs have been produced to the highest standards of food safety. The Lion Quality mark, which is a registered trademark, can only be used by subscribers to the BEIC (British Egg Industry Council) on eggs which have been produced in accordance with UK and EU law and the Lion Quality Code of Practice.

• www.britegg.co.uk

Look for the Lion Quality mark on the egg shell and egg box - it shows that the eggs have been produced to the highest standards of food safety Buy eggs from a reputable retailer where they will have been transported and stored at the correct temperature (below 20°C) Keep eggs refrigerated after purchase Store eggs in their box and, as eggs are porous, away from strong-smelling foods Make sure you use eggs by the 'best before' date shown on the egg or box - for Lion Quality eggs, this guarantees that they are fresher than required by law Wash hands before and after handling eggs Discard dirty or cracked eggs Eat cooked egg dishes as soon as possible after cooking or store in a fridge

Lion code of practice Key requirements of the Lion Code of Practice The Lion mark was re-introduced on egg boxes in November 1998 to denote eggs produced to a

stringent new Code of Practice incorporating the latest research and advice on Salmonella and eggs from scientists and vets. Latest controls in the Lion Code of Practice, which are additional to current legislation, include:

All hens producing Lion Quality eggs must have been vaccinated against Salmonella Enteritidis. A registration and ‘passport’ system ensures complete traceability of Lion Quality eggs, hens and

feed. There are increased hygiene controls and Salmonella testing right through the production system. The Lion Code of Practice also incorporates higher standards of animal welfare than required by

law. The Lion Code of Practice includes stringent feed controls, including production of feed to

Universal Feed Assurance Scheme (UFAS) standards and the banning of growth promoters, canthaxanthin and lasalocid in laying birds.

A best-before date and Lion logo must be printed on the shell of Lion Quality eggs as well as on the egg box.

The Lion Quality mark is a registered trademark and can only be used by BEIC subscribers on egg shells and egg boxes which have been produced in accordance with the Lion Code of Practice and UK and EU law.

The Lion Code of Practice is monitored by an independent agency in accordance with the EN 45011 standard. Farms and packing stations are regularly audited including unannounced audits.

Method of production0= Organic1= Free Range2= Barn3= Caged

British Lion Quality MarkOnly found on eggs that have been produced in accordance with UK and EU law and the British Lion Quality code of practice.

Producer identityA unique code denoting where the egg was produced. E.g. UK54321, UK 543SCO or UK5-432

Best-before dateAll British Lion Quality eggs must include a ‘best-before’ date printed on the shell of the egg

Egg labelling

Egg recipes Pouring batter mix (Yorkshire puddings/pancakes/toad in the hole)

100g (4oz) plain flourPinch of salt1 medium egg300ml (1/2 pint) milk (or milk and water mix)

1. Mix flour and salt in a basin, make a hollow in the centre and drop in egg.

2. Stir with a wooden spoon and add liquid gradually, until all the flour is worked in.

3. Beat well and add remaining liquid.

N.B. The consistency should be like single cream .

Sponge cake(fairy cakes- Victoria sponge, swiss roll)

100g (4oz) margarine100g (4oz) Self rising flour100g (4oz) caster sugar2 eggs

1.Heat oven to 180*c, 350*F gas mark 4. 2.Cream margarine and sugar.3.Beat egg.4.Gradually add egg to mixture and mix well.5.Gently fold in flour.6.Mix until even.7.Place in baking tray or cake cases.

Meringue

4 egg whites115g (4 ½ oz) icing sugar115g (4 ½ oz) caster sugar

1.Heat oven to 100*c, 110*F gas mark ½ . 2.Tip the egg whites in to clean glass bowl3.Beat eggs with an electric whisk until the mixture resembles a fluffy cloud and stands up stiff.4.Gradually add the caster sugar a spoonful.5.Sift a 1/3 of the icing sugar over the mix and fold in with a metal spoon.6.Repeat till all icing sugar is added, mixture should look like snow drift. (Hold the bowl over your head and the mixture should stay put).7.Spoon on to baking sheet and cook.

Egg recipes Vanilla Ice Cream (4-6servings)Ingredients1 vanilla pod or reel vanilla extract • 1 1/4 pints (700ml) milk • 6 egg yolks • 10 oz (275g) caster sugar • a pinch of salt • Preparation Method for Vanilla Ice Cream• If using a vanilla pod, halve it lengthways and put it into a heavy saucepan

with the milk. Heat gently to near boiling point, then remove from the heat and set it aside for 30 minutes

• If using vanilla extract, no need to heat the milk. Add vanilla extract to taste once the custard has cooled

• Combine the egg yolks, sugar and salt in a bowl. Whisk until the mixture is very pale and falls back leaving a trail when the beaters are lifted.

• Strain the milk and gradually whisk it in. Return the mixture to the pan and cook it over a very low heat, or in the top of a double boiler, string constantly until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.

• Remove the custard from the heat and set it aside to cool, stirring it time to time to prevent a skin formation. Vanilla extract should be added at this point nothing that the flavour will fade with freezing.

• Freeze in a sorbetière following the manufacturer's instructions. Or still-freeze (refer to home), vigorously whisking the partially frozen ice at least once during the freezing process.

Omelette

Ingredients1 tsp olive oil2 large eggs5g/¼oz fresh herbs, chopped e.g. chives and flat-leaf parsleysalt and freshly ground black pepper

Method1. Heat the oil in a small omelette/frying pan.2. In a small bowl, beat the eggs then stir in the herbs and season.3. Pour the egg mixture into the hot pan.4. Using a fork, frequently drag the cooked egg mixture from the edges of the pan into the centre of the pan to ensure an evenly cook omelette.5. Once the egg is completely set, turn out and serve.

Boiled egg166 calories per portion

Serves: 2 Ingredients2 Large Lion Quality eggsWater for boilingPinch of saltButtered toast cut into soldiers to serve (optional)

Method 1. Place egg in a small pan. Cover with at least 2.5cm (1") of cold water, add a pinch of salt and place the pan on a high heat. 2. When the water is almost boiling, gently stir the egg and set a kitchen timer for one of the timings below:

3 minutes for really soft boiled yolk and set white4 minutes for slightly set yolk and set white5 minutes for firmer yolk and white6 minutes for hard boiled with lightly soft yolk7 minutes for firmly hard boiled

3. Reduce heat slightly to keep water bubbling but not fast boiling and stir the egg once more.4. Once cooking time is complete, remove the egg from the pan with slotted spoon, place into egg cup and serve immediately with hot buttered toast soldiers.Cooking Tip

Quiche

Ingredients1 tsp olive oil2 large eggs5g/¼oz fresh herbs, chopped e.g. chives and flat-leaf parsleysalt and freshly ground black pepper

Method1. Heat the oil in a small omelette/frying pan.2. In a small bowl, beat the eggs then stir in the herbs and season.3. Pour the egg mixture into the hot pan.4. Using a fork, frequently drag the cooked egg mixture from the edges of the pan into the centre of the pan to ensure an evenly cook omelette.5. Once the egg is completely set, turn out and serve.

Egg recipes

Buffet

A buffet is a meal laid out on a table or sideboard so that guests may serve themselves.

Hot Cold

Business regulations state food should be kept at or above 63*c

Should be kept in a fridge for as long as possible

High risk foods which include chicken, fish and mayo should not be left as room temperature for long as this can increase bacteria in the food.

Business regulations state that food should be chilled at or below 8*c.

The temperature can not drop below 63*c for more than 2 hours

Rice, fish, chicken and other high risk food should not be reheated.

The temperature can not rise above 8*c for more than 4 hours.

A ban-Marie can be used to keep hot food hot during a serving.

Iced slabs can be used to keep the food cold during a serving .

The server should know how long the food has been standing, if in doubt don’t eat it.

The server should know how long the food has been standing, if in doubt don’t eat it.

Buffet

High risk foods which include chicken, fish and mayo should not be left as room temperature for long as this can increase bacteria in the food.

Different cultures use buffets for celebrations as well as a method of serving food.Pella is served at Spanish festivals.Spit roast pork can be served during summer solutes by many religious groups.BBQ traditional in Australia and American out door eating.

Buffet eating is an alternative to formal dinning: •Allowing people to pick and choose their own food. •Reduces the number of servers required for a party. •Allows party goes to mingle during selecting food .

High street buffet’s

• Many high street have buffet restaurants offering hot and cold food at a set price per person.

• High street chains inc.• Big Luke’s• Buffet king• Toby • Panda

Cold buffet food

Cheese and pineapples

Salad

Pickled onions

Fruit salad

Breads

Preserves and sauces

Potato salad

Sandwiches

Liver pate

Fish

Open sandwiches

Fairy cakes

Quiche

Flan

Pasties

Pies Tapas

Rice

Pizzas

Onion bhaji

Scotch eggsSpring rolls

somas'

Crisps

Peanutsjellymousse

Cold meats

Cold chicken legs

Carrots and peppers

Fresh cream dips

Mayo dips

Sausage on stick

Punch

Cream cakes

Prawn cocktail Jam tarts

Scones

Stuffed eggs

Stuffed Veg

Hotbuffet food

Roast meat

Carvery

Paella

Omelettes

Pasta

King prawns

Apple pie

Custard

Sauces

Chips

Hot sandwiches

Stuffed peppers

potatoes

Soups

Nan

Pies

Beef curry

Masala

Beef in black bean sauce

BurgersTandoori

Gravy

vegetables

BhunaTikkaMussels

Spare ribs

Asian lamb hotpot

Tea smoked duck

Honey ham

Peking duck

Egg Foo yung

Egg noodles

Boiled rice

Egg fried rice Flans Scones

Pizza

Stuffed Veg

Regulations for buffets

Any company serving a buffet should follow all HACCP and

food safety legislation.

Staff should have completed basic food

hygiene certificate.

Food should be prepared in an hygienic environment .

All cuts should be covered

with blue plasters.

Hair should be tired up – hats or hair nets should be

worn.

Clean aprons

should be worn to prepare

food.

Hands and work

surfaces should be washed

with warm soapy water.

Food should be stored in the correct setting for the food.

Staff should check best before dates and regularly rotate stock

to cut down on wastages.

All utensils used in preparing the food

should be clean.

HOT at or above a minimum temperature of

63 Degrees C(having first meet a core

temp of 70*c for at least 2 mins)

Correct chopping boards should be used for different

food types.

CHILLED at or below a maximum temperature of 8

Degrees C (ideally below 5*c)

The danger zone for both hot and cold foods is

between 8*c and 63*c . At this temperature bacteria is

able to multiply

Regulations for buffets

The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 apply to all types of food business - from a hot dog van to a five star restaurant, from a village hall, where food is prepared, to a vending machine.  If you are a caterer or retailer, or if you manufacture products which are not of animal origin, you will need to follow this advice, whether the food is sold publicly or privately, for profit or for fund raising. The Regulations do not apply to food cooked at home for private consumption.

All these areas should be temperature controlled to offer the safest food to dinners.

•Preparation  •handling •processing •packaging •manufacturing •storage •transporting •selling •distribution •supplying

High risk foods(food that are the most likely to cause food poisoning and or illness)•Dairy foods.•Foods containing milk / cream•Soft cheeses•Fresh ice cream•Cooked produce •Meat•Fish•Eggs•Poultry•Rice dishes, pulses•mayonnaise

Or any food with these ingredients in.

Food exempt from the temperature control. These are food which offer no risk if left at room temperature for long periods of time. (normally stored at room temperature foods)•Crisps•Peanuts (and other nuts)•Dried fruits•Breads – bread sticks•Pretzels•Bombay mix

Dos and don'ts.

Don’t reheat high

risk food

Don’t eat food that has started to go dry around the

edges, this has been standing to long.

Do ask servers advice about the length of time food has

been standing.If in doubt don’t eat it

Dairy products may start to smell as they start to curdle,

if it smells wrong don’t touch it.

Never take food from a buffet home to eat the next

day.

Do dispose of food if it has been left out beyond the

recommend timing .

Store spare or additional food in suitable

temperature controlled storage units.

Ask how the food was made.

Ensure meats and vegetarian dishes are

separated to reduce cross- contamination.

Religion and foodFood is an important part of religious observance and spiritual ritual for many faiths including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. The role of food in cultural practices and religious beliefs is complex and varies among individuals and communities. Any introduction to such a diverse and complex topic will not be able to include everything. Instead, here is a sample of some ways in which various religious groups include food as a vital part of their faith.

Understanding the role of food in cultural and religious practice is an important part of showing respect and responding to the needs of people from a range of religious communities. However, it is important to avoid assumptions about a person’s culture and beliefs. If in doubt, ask.

Islam (Muslim)Halal food’s

Prohibited foods Haram

Ramadan

Pork and any food not slaughtered Halal style can not be eaten.

Pork, alcohol, animal fats, margarines, Bread which contains yeast, caffeinated drinks,

A fast which takes place around October time in which adults fast during day light hours (when the sun shines) and the fast is broken each night after prayers.

Christianity Some Catholics and orthodox Christians. Observe feast and fast days during the year.

Avoid meat on Fridays.

Friday fish day

Holy communion (by most Christian groups)

Eating bread and drinking wine

Seventh Day Adventists Avoid caffeine and don’t eat meat or dairy

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons).

Avoid alcohol, caffeine and regally follow fasting days

Salvation Army Avoid alcohol

BuddhismThe dietary rules of Buddhism, which is more of a life philosophy than a religious doctrine, depend on which branch of Buddhism is practiced and in what country.

In his multiple lives on Earth, Buddha cycled through various animal forms before attaining the form of a human being. Most Buddhists choose to become vegetarian to avoid killing animals.

Similarly to the Hindu concept of Karma, Buddhism proposes that violence or pain inflicted on others will rebound on you, hence the need for a vegetarian lifestyle. Some Buddhists believe that a contributing cause of human aggression is violence against animals.

Some Buddhists avoid meat and dairy products, while others only shun beef. This is affected by cultural, geographical and dietary influences.

Religious dates vary from one region to the next. Mahayana Buddhism, for example, celebrates three festivals for the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, while Theravada Buddhists observe all three events on a single day.

Buddhist monks tend to fast in the afternoon.

Buddhist monks and nuns are not allowed to cultivate, store or cook their own food; instead, they must rely on ‘alms’, which are donations from believers. This sometimes includes meats, as monks and nuns aren’t allowed to ask for specific foods.

Hinduism

Hindus believe in the interdependence of life. People who practice the Hindu religion don’t eat meat from animals or any food that has involved the taking of life. They also avoid foods that may have caused pain to animals during manufacture. ‘Karma’ is believed to be the spiritual load we accumulate or relieve ourselves of during our lifetime. If a Hindu consumes animal flesh, they accumulate the Karma of that act, which will then need to be balanced through good actions and learning in this life or the next.

Many Hindus are vegetarian but this is not compulsory.

In many cases beef is forbidden while pork is sometimes restricted or avoided.

Prohibited animal products tend to vary from one country or region to the next. For example, duck and crab may be forbidden in one geographical location while fish may be part of the staple food for people living in other areas.

Most Hindus do not eat beef or beef products, because the cow is held to be sacred.

Dairy products including milk, butter and yoghurt may be eaten.

Foodstuffs such as alcohol, onions and garlic are thought to inhibit the Hindu’s quest for spiritual enlightenment. They are therefore avoided or restricted.

Fasting depends on the person’s caste (or social standing) and on the occasion; for example, rules regarding fasting depend on whether the day has religious or personal significance.

JudaismKosher – foods

Orthodox – Jews

Kosher food must be slaughtered in a correct manor.

Mother and child must not be served together- for example milk and beef.

Separate cooking and preparation areas must be available in the kitchen areas- this inc. Sinks, plates and pre areas.