Functional properties of foods

Structure, quality, nutritional value and/or acceptability of a food product. A food functional property is determined by physical, chemical and/or organoleptic properties of a food. Examples of a functional property may include solubility, absorption, water retention, frothing ability, elasticity, and absorptive capacity for fats and foreign particles.

the functional properties of foods
the functional property of foods
practical properties of foods
practicable properties of foods
functional food properties
utilitarian properties of foods

knowledge

sector-specific

Functional properties of foods is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Industrial cook: Industrial cooks create new food designs and recipes. They prepare, measure and mix ingredients to prepare foodstuff products. They control and regulate temperatures, monitor cooking process, assign specific baking tasks, and direct workers in task performance.
Food service vocational teacher: Food service vocational teachers for food service instruct students in their specialised field of study, food service, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a food service-related profession. Food service vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of food service through assignments, tests and examinations.
Food technologist: Food technologists develop processes for manufacturing foodstuffs and related products based on chemical, physical, and biological principles and technology. They design and plan layouts or equipment, oversee staff, engage in controlling, and improve food technologies in food production processes.
Food technician: Food technicians assist food technologists in the deveolpment of processes for manufacturing foodstuffs and related products based on chemical, physical, and biological principles. They perform research and experiments on ingredients, additives and packaging. Food technicians also check product quality to ensure compliance with legislation and regulations.
Food grader: Food graders inspect, sort and grade food products. They grade food products according to sensory criteria or with the help of machinery. They determine the product’s use by grading them into the appropriate classes and discarding damaged or expired foods. Food graders measure and weigh the products and report their findings so the food can be further processed.
Prepared meals nutritionist: Prepared meals nutritionists value ingredients, manufacturing processes, and foodstuffs in order to assure nutritional quality and suitability of prepared meals and dishes. They study nutritional value of foodstuffs and dishes and advise on the composition of different meals or dishes for human feed (allergenic items, macro and micronutrients, …)

Functional properties of foods is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Vocational teacher: Vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques that the students must subsequently master in the specialised vocation of their choice and aid in the development of the according attitudes and values. Vocational teachers monitor the students progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject through assignments, tests and examinations.
Food regulatory advisor: Food regulatory advisors are extra-judicial or judiciary technical experts. They ensure food industry practices comply with the regulatory norms. They perform audits, make diagnosis and monitor activities of inspection. These experts have expertise in food processing, food analysis, quality, safety, certification, traceability. They update, review, and approve labelling designs, develop nutrition facts panels, and ensure that products and labels meet appropriate standards and regulations.

References

1. Functional properties of foods – ESCO