Unit 18. Food Biotechnology

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Explain what food biotechnology is
- Identify the main applications of biotechnology in the food industry
- Understand the benefits and concerns related to food biotechnology
- Use Conditional sentences (Type 2) correctly

Theory

Food biotechnology is the use of living organisms or their components to produce, improve or process food. It includes traditional methods such as fermentation and modern methods such as genetic engineering.

Biotechnology is widely used in the production of bread, cheese, yoghurt, beer, wine and many other products. Yeast and bacteria play an important role in fermentation processes.

Modern food biotechnology can improve the nutritional value of food, increase crop resistance to pests and diseases, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Genetically modified (GM) crops are one of the results of modern biotechnology.

However, there are also concerns about the safety of GM foods and their impact on the environment. Strict regulations and scientific research are necessary to ensure that biotechnological products are safe for consumers.

Key Terms

food biotechnology, fermentation, genetic engineering, yeast, bacteria, genetically modified (GM) crops, nutritional value, pesticides, regulations, safety

Exercise

1. Answer the questions:
1. What is food biotechnology?
2. Name three products that are made with the help of biotechnology.
3. What are the benefits of modern food biotechnology?
4. What concerns do people have about GM foods?

2. Complete the sentences (Conditional Type 2):
1. If scientists ________ (develop) better GM crops, food production ________ (increase).
2. If people ________ (not trust) GM foods, companies ________ (use) more traditional methods.
3. If regulations ________ (be) stricter, consumers ________ (feel) safer.

Mini Quiz

1. Food biotechnology uses ________ to produce or improve food.
a) only machines
b) living organisms
c) only chemicals

2. Yeast is important in the production of ________.
a) meat
b) bread and beer
c) sugar

3. GM means ________.
a) General Market
b) Genetically Modified
c) Good Manufacturing