Food systems are complex interrelated activities involved with food transformation and delivery, and its effects. It comprises a number of components including:
- Food production
- Food consumption
- Food processing
- Food preparation
- Retail
- Packaging
- Distribution
- Waste management
Food systems disproportions are main determinants of nutrition and dietary imbalances. For example, when food is produced on infertile soils , the crops grown lack sufficient nutrients. This accompanied with the excess application of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, and the crops will develop poorly, leading to the production of low-quality foods.Poor environmental conditions can also lead to lower yields and the reduced nutrient content of foods. During food processing, nutrient losses can be severe especially if food is over-heated.Peeling can lead to a reduction in the fibre content and phytochemicals that are essential for proper health. Food processing methods like frying for too long can also contribute to nutrient losses.
The delays in transportation and distribution can damage foods if they are mishandled, and even affect their nutrient value if they’re stored improperly. Environmental changes introduce volatility into the food networks limiting access to nutritious foods for most groups.
What is evident, is the key role that food systems have on nutrition. By the time, food is ready for consumption, it has undergone various processes which impact its quality and nutrition content. In essence, a food is likely to encounter nutrient losses along the food system , however the degree to which its quality is affected varies significantly. This interlink between food systems and nutrition necessitates a transition within food systems to preserve diet quality of foods meant for the general population.Well-developed food systems allow consumers access to fresh and nutritious foods. As such , efforts to facilitate improved agricultural systems , advanced packaging and food processing procedures along with more vigilant environmental conversations schemes are mandatory to see to it that the quality and nutritional value of foods is closest to its original state.