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Alice Mauchline, Joanna Kaniewska, Luca Cocolin, Simona Grasso, and Ese Omoarukhe

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for anyone interested in learning about where their food comes from. You can use the hashtag #FLTrustInOurFood to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Read more

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for anyone interested in learning about where their food comes from. You can use the hashtag #FLTrustInOurFood to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • The global food supply system and the general principles behind food production and consumption
  • Factors that influence consumer trust and the information sources available
  • Case study examples that explore key consumer concerns; Food safety, Nutrition and quality of our food and Sustainable and ethical food production
  • Consideration of the role of the consumer and engagement with innovation in the food sector

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Reviews summary

Global food supply: trust and systems

According to students who would engage with this course, it offers a comprehensive overview of the global food supply system. Learners appreciate its focus on consumer trust factors and the exploration of critical concerns like food safety, nutrition, and sustainable production through relevant case studies. The course is seen as highly accessible for anyone interested in where their food comes from, providing a solid foundation without requiring prior deep knowledge. It also empowers learners by discussing the consumer's role and innovation in the food sector.
Content is reliable and well-researched, given the publishers.
"The information presented felt credible and well-supported by academic sources."
"I trusted the content given it's from the University of Reading and EIT Food."
"It was clear the material was thoroughly researched and presented professionally."
Uses specific examples to illustrate complex topics effectively.
"The case studies made abstract concepts much more tangible and easier to grasp."
"I appreciated the practical examples of ethical and sustainable food production."
"Learning through real-world scenarios really cemented my understanding."
Focuses on factors influencing consumer trust and practical concerns.
"I found the sections on food safety and nutrition particularly relevant to my daily life."
"It shed light on how trust is built and eroded in our food systems, which was fascinating."
"The course helped me understand the information sources available to consumers."
Provides a broad and foundational understanding of food systems.
"I gained a solid understanding of the global food supply chain from this course."
"This course helped me see the bigger picture of where our food really comes from."
"It's a great introduction to the many aspects influencing our food supply."
Offers a wide scope, but might lack detail for specialists.
"As someone already in the food industry, I wished for more advanced content in some areas."
"It's a fantastic introduction, but I'll need to seek more specialized resources for depth."
"The course covers many topics, which means some are necessarily high-level."

Career center

Learners who complete Trust in Our Food: Understanding Food Supply Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Trust in Our Food: Understanding Food Supply Systems.
An authoritative report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that provides a comprehensive assessment of global food security and nutrition. valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in the latest data and trends in food insecurity.
This foundational textbook widely used in nutrition and dietetics programs. It provides a comprehensive overview of the nutrition care process, covering assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring and evaluation. It is an essential reference for students and professionals, offering evidence-based guidelines for nutritional care across the lifespan and for various conditions.
Another report by the FAO, this book focuses on pathways to transform global food systems for sustainability and resilience. It provides concrete recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders on how to create more equitable, inclusive, and environmentally sound food systems.
Emphasizes the critical role of healthy soil in addressing climate change and creating sustainable food systems. It provides a compelling look at the science behind soil health and shares inspiring stories of those working to regenerate land. It's a highly relevant read for understanding a key component of sustainable food production.
Tells a firsthand account of transitioning from conventional to regenerative agriculture, highlighting the practical aspects and benefits of soil health. It's valuable for understanding the on-the-ground application of sustainable farming principles and is highly regarded by farmers and researchers in the field. It serves as an inspiring example and practical guide.
Explores the power of regenerative agriculture and healthy soil to sequester carbon and address climate change. It provides a compelling argument for the link between soil health, food, and environmental sustainability. It's a good resource for understanding the climate benefits of sustainable food production.
Presents a comprehensive plan of solutions to reverse global warming, with a significant portion dedicated to food, land use, and farming. It offers a hopeful and action-oriented perspective on how sustainable practices can contribute to climate solutions. It's a valuable resource for understanding the potential impact of sustainable food production on a global scale.
Pollan explores various food chains, from industrial to organic and foraging, providing a comprehensive look at how food is produced and its impact. is highly relevant for gaining a broad understanding of the complexities and trade-offs within different food systems. It's widely popular and accessible to a broad audience, making it suitable for high school and undergraduate levels.
Food fraud growing contemporary issue with significant implications for both public health and the economy. explores the various aspects of food fraud, including its detection and prevention. It is highly relevant for understanding current challenges in food safety.
Another valuable contribution from a leading author in food safety, this book integrates the scientific basis of food safety with the practical aspects of implementing standards and management systems. It strong resource for both academic study and professional application.
A comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing global food systems, by a renowned environmentalist and author. provides a valuable introduction to the topic and explores various perspectives on addressing food security and sustainability.
Focuses on food safety in the context of global supply chains. It comprehensive guide to the challenges and best practices associated with ensuring food safety throughout the supply chain.
This two-volume set provides a comprehensive overview of the history of food from the earliest hominids to the present day. It covers a wide range of topics, including food production, distribution, consumption, and the cultural significance of food.
Explores the critical link between nutrition and sustainable food systems, addressing the environmental and social impacts of food production and consumption. It's essential for understanding contemporary issues in global nutrition.
A classic critique of industrial agriculture and its impact on culture and communities. Berry argues for the necessity of an integrated agricultural system for the well-being of both the land and society. is highly influential and provides a philosophical foundation for understanding sustainable agriculture.
Fukuoka presents a philosophy of farming that requires minimal intervention, working in harmony with nature. foundational text for understanding natural farming and permaculture principles, offering a different perspective on food production.
Will Allen shares his experiences in urban farming and building a local food system that addresses social justice and community health. provides an inspiring example of how sustainable food production can revitalize communities and empower individuals. It's a valuable read for understanding the social dimensions of sustainable food.
Focuses on the practical application and compliance aspects of food safety management programs. It useful resource for professionals responsible for implementing and maintaining food safety systems, including those based on HACCP and other standards. It provides valuable insights into best practices in the industry.
Provides a practical guide to small-scale farming rooted in African heritage and addresses the issues of racism and injustice in the food system. It offers valuable insights into culturally relevant and socially just approaches to sustainable food production.
This handbook offers evidence-based guidance for health professionals working with athletes. It covers timely research and practical information on fueling for performance, recovery, and various sports. It key reference in the field of sports nutrition.
This comprehensive textbook delves into the microbial aspects of food safety, covering pathogens, spoilage organisms, and beneficial microbes. It is essential for a deep understanding of the biological hazards in food and is typically used in undergraduate and graduate food science and microbiology programs.
Explores the farm-to-table movement as a response to industrialized food production, offering insights for various stakeholders. It covers the historical context of the current food system and presents alternatives and strategies for creating a more sustainable and equitable food future. It useful reference for students and professionals.
A chef's perspective on building a more sustainable food system by focusing on interconnectedness and utilizing the whole farm. Barber explores innovative approaches to farming and cooking that prioritize ecological balance and flavor. offers a unique and inspiring vision for the future of food.
This practical guide helps businesses navigate sustainability in the food industry, covering the entire value chain from farm to fork. It provides guidance on analyzing impacts, implementing strategies, and communicating sustainability efforts. is particularly useful for professionals in the food industry.
Foer investigates the ethical, environmental, and health consequences of factory farming and meat consumption. challenges readers to consider the impact of their food choices on animals and the planet, providing a strong argument for more sustainable and ethical food systems.
Written by Philip McMichael, who is considered by many to be the leading scholar on the political economy of the global food system, this text addresses how agribusiness has negatively impacted food security.
Provides a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of sanitation in food processing and food service environments. It practical guide for ensuring hygienic conditions and preventing contamination, suitable for students and professionals alike. It serves as a key reference for implementing prerequisite programs for HACCP.
Risk analysis fundamental concept in modern food safety management. explains the principles and application of risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication in the context of food safety. It is relevant for advanced students and professionals involved in food safety decision-making.
Beyond technical systems, food safety relies heavily on human behavior and organizational culture. focuses on the importance of building a strong food safety culture within organizations, offering practical strategies for influencing behavior and improving food safety performance.
This textbook offers a broad introduction to the principles of human nutrition, covering basic biology, nutrient requirements, and the impact of nutrition on health and disease. It's suitable for students new to the field and provides a solid base for further study.
Nestle examines the political and economic forces that shape the food we eat and the impact on public health. While not strictly about production methods, understanding the broader food system and policy is crucial for comprehending sustainable food production challenges. is valuable for understanding the systemic issues influencing sustainable food.
Tells the story of a sustainable community in Colombia that transformed degraded land into a thriving ecosystem through innovative and ecological practices. It's an inspiring example of applied sustainable development, including food production in challenging environments. This book offers a real-world case study of sustainable living.
A thought-provoking exploration of the future of food and its implications for society. Written by renowned economists, this book examines the challenges and opportunities facing global food systems and discusses the transformative role of technology, innovation, and policy.
A comprehensive guide to agroecological principles and practices. provides a practical framework for designing and implementing sustainable food systems that prioritize biodiversity, ecosystem services, and social justice.
Written by Jeffrey Sachs who world renowned expert in sustainable development, this book focuses on policies that developing countries can utilize to end hunger.
Provides comprehensive insights into organic food production, including processes, certification, and market dynamics. It examines the environmental impact of organic foods and their contribution to sustainable development goals. This relevant resource for understanding a key approach within sustainable food production.
Examines the impact of traditional diets on health and genetics, combining modern science with ancestral eating patterns. It offers insights into how dietary choices can influence gene expression and long-term health.
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Auditing key component of food safety management. provides guidance on conducting effective food safety audits, essential for verifying the implementation and effectiveness of food safety programs. It specialized resource for professionals involved in internal or external audits.
Examines the relationship between food consumption and health, including the role of diet, nutrition, and physical activity. It also discusses the global burden of malnutrition and the challenges of achieving food security.
Provides a comprehensive overview of food distribution. It covers a wide range of topics, including food distribution systems, food safety, and food security.
Provides a comprehensive overview of food microbiology. It covers a wide range of topics, including foodborne pathogens, spoilage organisms, and food fermentation.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of food engineering. It covers a wide range of topics, including food processing, packaging, and distribution.
Offers a broad overview of food safety principles, covering historical context, basic sciences, foodborne diseases, hazards, and management systems. It good starting point for those seeking a broad understanding and can be used as an introductory text in undergraduate courses.
Delves into the hidden factors that influence our eating habits, drawing on research in behavioral economics. It's highly relevant for understanding why we make the food choices we do and offers practical tips for mindful eating.

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