Interactive Reading — Food

Organic food is produced without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms. While organic farming is considered more environmentally friendly, it typically produces lower yields per hectare, which means organic food often costs more than conventionally grown alternatives. Organic food is often more expensive because ___. A) it uses more chemicals in production B) organic farming produces lower yields C) it is only available in specialty stores D) farmers charge more for the organic label

Food waste is a significant global problem. Roughly one third of all food produced worldwide is lost or wasted. In developing countries, waste occurs mainly during harvesting and storage due to inadequate infrastructure. In wealthier nations, the problem shifts to retail and household waste. In developing countries, food is mainly wasted during ___. A) cooking and serving B) harvesting and storage C) packaging and advertising D) retail and consumption

Fermentation is one of the oldest food preservation methods, dating back thousands of years. The process uses beneficial bacteria or yeast to convert sugars into acids or alcohol, which prevents harmful bacteria from growing. Common fermented foods include yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Fermentation preserves food by ___. A) removing all bacteria from the food B) freezing the food at low temperatures C) converting sugars into acids or alcohol that prevent spoilage D) adding chemical preservatives to the food

The Mediterranean diet, which emphasises fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, has been linked to lower rates of heart disease and longer life expectancy. Researchers believe the combination of healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants provides protection against chronic diseases. The Mediterranean diet is linked to better health because of its ___. A) high sugar and salt content B) combination of healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants C) focus on red meat and dairy products D) reliance on processed convenience foods

Vertical farming involves growing crops indoors in stacked layers using artificial lighting and controlled environments. Proponents say it uses significantly less water than conventional farming and can produce food year-round regardless of climate. Critics point to the high energy costs of running artificial lights. A disadvantage of vertical farming is ___. A) it uses too much water B) it can only grow one type of crop C) the high energy cost of artificial lighting D) it requires vast areas of farmland

Food labelling helps consumers make informed choices about what they eat. Labels typically include information about ingredients, nutritional content, allergens, and expiry dates. However, terms like 'natural' and 'farm-fresh' are not strictly regulated in many countries, which can mislead buyers. Terms like 'natural' on food labels can be misleading because they ___. A) always indicate organic production B) are not strictly regulated in many countries C) are only used for imported products D) are required by all governments