VCAA Food Studies Navigating food information
15 sample questions with marking guides and sample answers · Avg. score: 64.4%
The November 2024 Inquiry into Food Security in Victoria found that many stakeholders advocated for a place-based approach to food literacy. A place-based approach to food literacy focuses on developing food knowledge and skills within the context of a specific community, utilising local resources, relationships and cultural practices.
Source: Adapted from Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee, Food security in Victoria, November 2024, p. 90, <www.parliament.vic.gov.au>
Which one of the following is an example of a place-based approach to food literacy designed to improve food security?
a nutritional information handout from a national supermarket about a new food
a program that encourages and educates people in the use of locally grown produce
a food safety poster designed for school canteens
a television cooking show that focuses on the use of Australian native ingredients
Reveal Answer
a nutritional information handout from a national supermarket about a new food
A national supermarket handout is a broad, generalized approach rather than one tailored to a specific community's local resources and relationships.
a program that encourages and educates people in the use of locally grown produce
This program directly aligns with the definition of a place-based approach by utilizing local resources (locally grown produce) to develop food knowledge and skills within a specific community.
a food safety poster designed for school canteens
A food safety poster for school canteens is a general educational tool and does not specifically utilize local resources or cultural practices to build food literacy.
a television cooking show that focuses on the use of Australian native ingredients
A television cooking show is a mass-media approach that lacks the community-specific context and local relationship-building central to a place-based approach.
Kate, a university lecturer, is currently researching how popular Facebook pages provide online nutrition and diet information. She is looking at whether the advice on these Facebook pages is consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines (part of the 'Eat for Health' program). Kate is finding that many of these Facebook pages use celebrities to promote their advice.
Identify two principles of research used in the development of the Australian Dietary Guidelines. How could each principle of research be used by Kate to assess the nutrition and diet information found on the Facebook pages?
| Principle of research | How the principle of research can be used to assess the nutrition and diet information found on the Facebook pages |
|---|---|
Reveal Answer
A suitable response must include the principles of research terminology from the study design and could have included two of the following:
Recognition of credible source
- Kate would have looked to check whether the information on the Facebook pages were provided by someone who is credible and/or backed up with qualifications in nutrition (such as an accredited practising dietitian) or a federal government agency.
Evidence-based information
- Kate would have looked to see if the information provided on the Facebook pages was accurate, reliable and based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines.
- Kate would have looked to check whether the information provided on the Facebook pages was peer-reviewed by an independent qualified expert group with no conflict of interests.
- Kate would have looked to see if the information used on the Facebook pages was checked and came from scientific evidence with no conflict of interests.
Accurate analysis of data
- Kate would have looked to ensure the information provided on the Facebook pages had been developed through rigorous research methodologies, such as appropriate sample sizes.
The following is an example of a high-scoring response.
Accurate analysis of data: On the Facebook pages Kate could check if the nutrition advice provided is based on reliable case studies that have a large sample size, taken over an adequate time period and were performed by reputable institutions.
Evidence- based information: If Kate is able to find the data the nutrition advice is based on, and check to see if it has been peer-reviewed and analysed by qualified scholars in nutrition.
Principle 1
| Descriptor | Marks |
|---|---|
Identifies a valid principle of research (e.g., Recognition of credible source, Evidence-based information, Accurate analysis of data) | 1 |
Explains how the identified principle could be used by Kate to assess the nutrition and diet information found on the Facebook pages | 1 |
Principle 2
| Descriptor | Marks |
|---|---|
Identifies a valid principle of research (e.g., Recognition of credible source, Evidence-based information, Accurate analysis of data) | 1 |
Explains how the identified principle could be used by Kate to assess the nutrition and diet information found on the Facebook pages | 1 |
One criterion used to assess the validity of food information is purpose.
What is the purpose of Kate's research?
Reveal Answer
A suitable response could have included one of the following:
- The purpose of the study is to assess the nutrition and diet information provided on popular Facebook pages against the Australian Dietary Guidelines.
- The purpose of the study is to determine which popular Facebook pages provided advice that was consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines
| Descriptor | Marks |
|---|---|
Identifies that the research is assessing nutrition and diet information provided on popular Facebook pages | 1 |
Identifies that the research is checking if the advice is consistent with or assessed against the Australian Dietary Guidelines | 1 |
Which of the following is a key principle of a credible source in scientific research?
The source is published by a popular media outlet.
The source provides peer-reviewed information.
The source includes anecdotal evidence and personal opinions.
The source is authored by someone with a strong social media presence.
Reveal Answer
The source is published by a popular media outlet.
Incorrect. Popular media outlets often prioritize engagement over scientific accuracy and do not typically subject articles to rigorous scientific review.
The source provides peer-reviewed information.
Correct. Peer review is a cornerstone of scientific credibility, ensuring that research is evaluated by independent experts for validity and accuracy before publication.
The source includes anecdotal evidence and personal opinions.
Incorrect. Scientific credibility relies on empirical data and objective analysis, whereas anecdotal evidence and personal opinions are subjective and prone to bias.
The source is authored by someone with a strong social media presence.
Incorrect. A strong social media presence indicates popularity, not scientific expertise or the use of rigorous research methodologies.
A 2024 study found that approximately one in 10 adolescents has used weight-loss products and nutrient supplements. Protein powders and other nutrient supplements such as creatine also have wide appeal. Creatine is a supplement used to improve strength, muscle mass and overall performance during exercise. Creatine is also found naturally in foods such as red meat and fish.
Research shows that girls are more at risk of choosing to take weight-loss supplements than boys. However, a growing problem among boys is the use of protein powders and creatine products, which are compounds that supply energy to muscles.
Source: Adapted from E Hemendinger and K Suleta, 'Dietary supplements and protein powders fall under a "wild west" of products that necessitate caveats and caution', The Conversation, https://theconversation.com
Apply the criteria of ethics and effectiveness of the product to claims made by weight-loss and nutrient supplement companies targeting adolescents.
Ethics:
Effectiveness of the product:
Reveal Answer
Ethics
Marking Bands| Descriptor | Marks |
|---|---|
Thoroughly applies the criterion of ethics to the claims, referring to the stimulus and demonstrating own knowledge (e.g., targeting adolescent girls is unethical as they are in a stage of growth and restricting foods could cause them to miss out on essential nutrients). | 2 |
Briefly applies the criterion of ethics, or merely repeats stimulus information without adding own knowledge. | 1 |
None of the above | 0 |
Effectiveness of the product
Marking Bands| Descriptor | Marks |
|---|---|
Thoroughly applies the criterion of effectiveness to the claims, referring to the stimulus and demonstrating own knowledge (e.g., no scientific evidence provided to show creatine from supplements is suitable for teenagers; protein and creatine are naturally found in foods). | 2 |
Briefly applies the criterion of effectiveness, or merely repeats stimulus information without adding own knowledge. | 1 |
None of the above | 0 |
Evaluate the role of commercial gain when assessing the validity of claims made by weight-loss and nutrient supplement companies.
Reveal Answer
Weight loss and nutrient supplements are often not promoted or created with the intent to improve consumers health but instead are often created for the potential commercial gain of the product. Claims that are made without proper evidence nor credibility are often just used to sell their products and sell its supposed effectiveness. This is currently seen when these products sponsor/endorse Influencers or celebrities to make videos or comments about how great their product is. These would be a low validity as the claims are made due to financial incentive. However if a non paid journal (independent) were to publish about the companies and their product this would increase validity but if they're paid by the companies the words are immediately uncredible and just use for commercial gain.
| Descriptor | Marks |
|---|---|
Demonstrates a thorough understanding of commercial gain when assessing the validity of claims, uses relevant examples to show understanding, and provides a well-supported evaluation (judgement) of the role of commercial gain. | 4 |
Demonstrates a clear understanding of commercial gain when assessing the validity of claims, uses examples, and provides an evaluation (judgement), though it may lack some depth or support. | 3 |
Demonstrates some understanding of the role of commercial gain and provides a basic judgement, but lacks examples or evidence. | 2 |
Demonstrates limited understanding of the role of commercial gain, making no judgement or a judgement unsupported by examples or evidence. | 1 |
None of the above | 0 |
Explain the difference between a nutrient content claim and a general-level health claim. Provide an example of both.
Reveal Answer
A nutrient content claim is a statement about a nutrient or substance and its appearance or existence in a food product, often pictured on a label, for example ‘low in sugar’. While a general-level health claim refers to a statement about a nutrient or substance, and its relationship with a factor of health, but not disease, for example ‘calcium in milk can strengthen bones’.
| Descriptor | Marks |
|---|---|
Explains that a nutrient content claim is a statement about the amount or presence of a nutrient, energy, or biologically active substance in a food product. | 1 |
Provides a valid example of a nutrient content claim (e.g., 'low in sugar' or 'low in fat'). | 1 |
Explains that a general-level health claim refers to a nutrient or substance in a food and its relationship with or effect on health, but not disease. | 1 |
Provides a valid example of a general-level health claim (e.g., 'calcium can strengthen bones'). Note: No mark is awarded if the example refers to a serious disease or a biomarker of a serious disease. | 1 |
One practical eating behaviour an individual can use to avoid overconsumption of food is
eating evening meals from takeaway restaurants.
snacking on biscuits and cheese throughout the day.
planning and preparing meals to meet dietary requirements.
eating savoury snacks while watching videos on their computer.
Reveal Answer
eating evening meals from takeaway restaurants.
Takeaway meals often have large portion sizes and high calorie density, which can contribute to overconsumption rather than prevent it.
snacking on biscuits and cheese throughout the day.
Biscuits and cheese are energy-dense foods, and continuous snacking throughout the day increases the likelihood of exceeding daily caloric needs.
planning and preparing meals to meet dietary requirements.
Planning and preparing meals allows an individual to control portion sizes and nutritional content, directly helping to avoid overconsumption.
eating savoury snacks while watching videos on their computer.
Eating while distracted, such as watching videos, often leads to mindless eating and overconsumption because the individual is not paying attention to satiety cues.
Yuzu is a citrus fruit known for its strong, tangy lemon-like flavour. Yuzu is not commonly eaten whole due to its sourness, but is widely used in juices, sauces and desserts. An online publication claims yuzu is a 'superfood' that helps reduce inflammation, promotes heart health, and is high in antioxidants and vitamins. The term 'superfood' is not a scientific classification and is used as a marketing term.
Sources: Adapted from T La Forge, '33 top food trends for 2025', Cozymeal, <www.cozymeal.com/magazine/top-food-trends>; E Mandl, '13 emerging benefits and uses of yuzu fruit', Healthline, <www.healthline.com/nutrition/yuzu-fruit>
Assess the information about yuzu using the criteria of language use and source.
Reveal Answer
The following examples are extracts from high-scoring responses:
- Language use – the language in this source is moderately informal as it is trying to make yuzu sound appealing to readers and encourage them to buy it, decreasing validity. However, they do provide examples such as ‘reduce inflammation’ to seem more scientific but it is in relation to the word ‘superfood’ which is a marketing term, lowering validity further.
- The source of the food information is an online publication seemingly derived from a magazine this indicates that the information is likely not coming from a scientific source or a professional in the field or a dietitian, with this in mind it can be said that perhaps this information has low levels of validity.
Language use
Marking Bands| Descriptor | Marks |
|---|---|
Assesses the information based on language use, providing a judgement (e.g., on validity) supported by examples from the stimulus material (e.g., the use of marketing terms like 'superfood'). | 2 |
Refers to language use from the stimulus (e.g., repeats information) but provides limited or no assessment/judgement of the information. | 1 |
No relevant response. | 0 |
Source
Marking Bands| Descriptor | Marks |
|---|---|
Assesses the information based on the source, providing a judgement (e.g., on validity) supported by examples from the stimulus material (e.g., noting it is an online publication rather than a scientific source). | 2 |
Refers to the source from the stimulus (e.g., repeats information) but provides limited or no assessment/judgement of the information. | 1 |
No relevant response. | 0 |
What is a major consideration when analysing the nutritional efficacy of fad diets?
scientific evidence supporting the intake of macronutrients
scientific evidence supporting nutritional adequacy
efficacy of significant nutrients in diets
research of major nutrients targeted
Reveal Answer
scientific evidence supporting the intake of macronutrients
While macronutrients are important, analyzing a diet's efficacy requires looking at overall nutritional adequacy, which also includes essential micronutrients.
scientific evidence supporting nutritional adequacy
The primary concern with fad diets is whether they provide all essential nutrients, making scientific evidence of overall nutritional adequacy the most critical consideration.
efficacy of significant nutrients in diets
Focusing only on the efficacy of specific 'significant' nutrients ignores the holistic requirement of a diet to meet all nutritional needs.
research of major nutrients targeted
Researching only the major nutrients targeted by the diet fails to account for potential deficiencies in other essential nutrients that the diet might restrict.
According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), which one of the following statements is an example of a general health claim on a food label?
Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth.
Calcium reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
Diets low in sodium help lower blood pressure.
High sodium intake causes hypertension.
Reveal Answer
Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth.
This is correct because a general health claim describes the effect of a nutrient on general health and wellbeing, such as calcium's role in maintaining normal bones and teeth, without referencing a serious disease.
Calcium reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
This is incorrect because it references a serious disease (osteoporosis), making it a high-level health claim rather than a general health claim.
Diets low in sodium help lower blood pressure.
This is incorrect because it references a biomarker for a serious disease (blood pressure), which classifies it as a high-level health claim.
High sodium intake causes hypertension.
This is incorrect because it references a serious disease (hypertension), making it a high-level health claim.
Manufacturers must label the packaging of food products with accurate weight information.
The purpose of this on packaging is to
enable the consumer to check the ingredient list against the nutrition information panel.
inform the consumer of the quantity of each ingredient used in the product.
inform the consumer about health and safety.
inform the consumer of the total amount of product.
Reveal Answer
enable the consumer to check the ingredient list against the nutrition information panel.
Incorrect. The total weight label does not provide a breakdown of specific ingredients or nutritional values, which are found in separate panels.
inform the consumer of the quantity of each ingredient used in the product.
Incorrect. While ingredients are listed in descending order of weight, the total weight label only provides the overall mass of the product, not the exact quantity of each individual ingredient.
inform the consumer about health and safety.
Incorrect. Health and safety information is conveyed through allergen warnings, expiration dates, and storage instructions, not the product's total weight.
inform the consumer of the total amount of product.
Correct. The accurate weight label, or net weight, is specifically designed to inform consumers of the total quantity of the product they are purchasing.
Which one of the following is an example of a practical way to apply evidence-based recommendations relating to food and health?
Advise the amount and kinds of foods that need to be eaten for good health.
Eat a wide variety of foods of different biological origins.
Follow a nutrition expert on social media.
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Reveal Answer
Advise the amount and kinds of foods that need to be eaten for good health.
This describes the purpose of dietary guidelines rather than a practical, actionable step an individual can take to apply them to their own life.
Eat a wide variety of foods of different biological origins.
Eating a wide variety of foods is a practical, actionable behavior that directly applies evidence-based dietary recommendations to improve health.
Follow a nutrition expert on social media.
While this might be a way to gather information, it is not a direct, practical application of dietary recommendations to one's own eating habits.
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a long-term health outcome or goal, rather than a specific, practical dietary action.
The Australian Dietary Guidelines and the 'Australian Guide to Healthy Eating' (both part of the 'Eat for Health' program) are credible sources of information because they
were published in 2013 by Nutrition Australia.
promote good nutrition and health.
contain reviews of information from nutrition experts and food-based social media influencers.
contain evidence from randomised controlled trials and systematic literature reviews.
Reveal Answer
were published in 2013 by Nutrition Australia.
This is incorrect because the guidelines were developed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), not Nutrition Australia.
promote good nutrition and health.
While promoting health is their goal, their credibility stems from the rigorous scientific evidence they are based on, not just their purpose.
contain reviews of information from nutrition experts and food-based social media influencers.
Credible national guidelines rely on rigorous scientific research and expert consensus, not information from social media influencers.
contain evidence from randomised controlled trials and systematic literature reviews.
The guidelines are considered highly credible because they are based on rigorous scientific evidence, including systematic literature reviews and randomised controlled trials.
A new diet trend makes the claim 'Eating raw foods leads to better health and weight loss'.
This claim can be evaluated by checking
which raw food items are allowed in the diet and whether the diet incorporates a range of vegetables.
scientific studies related to the diet to establish whether the diet is supported by credible evidence.
whether the diet is based on research conducted by professionals and whether it is recommended by them.
how widespread the diet is and whether it is endorsed by well-known people in the media.
Reveal Answer
which raw food items are allowed in the diet and whether the diet incorporates a range of vegetables.
Knowing the specific foods allowed in the diet only describes its rules; it does not provide empirical evidence regarding its effectiveness for health and weight loss.
scientific studies related to the diet to establish whether the diet is supported by credible evidence.
Health and weight loss claims should always be evaluated by examining peer-reviewed scientific studies to ensure they are backed by credible, empirical evidence.
whether the diet is based on research conducted by professionals and whether it is recommended by them.
While professional recommendations can be helpful, relying solely on authority without directly examining the underlying scientific evidence can be misleading.
how widespread the diet is and whether it is endorsed by well-known people in the media.
Popularity and celebrity endorsements are marketing tools, not reliable indicators of a diet's scientific validity or actual health benefits.
Which one of the following types of information about the effectiveness of a nutrient supplement could be considered valid?
the labelling of the nutrient supplement's list of ingredients and how they improve health outcomes
the nutrient supplement's website, which provides multiple statements from users of the nutrient supplement about the benefits they have experienced using the product
an article in a blog that is written by a dietitian and peer-reviewed, summarising research completed on the nutrient supplement's effectiveness
a recommendation from a gym instructor
Reveal Answer
the labelling of the nutrient supplement's list of ingredients and how they improve health outcomes
Product labels are often designed for marketing purposes and may make health claims that are not backed by rigorous scientific evidence.
the nutrient supplement's website, which provides multiple statements from users of the nutrient supplement about the benefits they have experienced using the product
User testimonials are considered anecdotal evidence and do not provide scientifically valid or objective proof of a supplement's effectiveness.
an article in a blog that is written by a dietitian and peer-reviewed, summarising research completed on the nutrient supplement's effectiveness
Information that is peer-reviewed and based on scientific research, especially when summarized by a qualified health professional like a dietitian, is considered highly valid and reliable.
a recommendation from a gym instructor
While gym instructors may have fitness knowledge, they are not typically qualified nutrition experts, making their personal recommendations less scientifically valid than peer-reviewed research.
The nutrition information shown in the table below is for a Greek yoghurt product.
| NUTRITION INFORMATION | ||
|---|---|---|
| Servings per package: approx. 5 | Serving size: 170 g | |
| Avg. quantity per serving | Avg. quantity per 100 g | |
| Energy | 400 kJ (96 cal) | 235 kJ (56 cal) |
| Protein | 15.9 g | 9.4 g |
| Fat, total | LESS THAN 1 g | LESS THAN 1 g |
| - saturated | LESS THAN 1 g | LESS THAN 1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 6.8 g | 4.0 g |
| - sugars | 6.1 g | 3.6 g |
| Dietary fibre, total | LESS THAN 1 g | LESS THAN 1 g |
| Sodium | 70 mg | 41 mg |
| Calcium | 204 mg (26% RDI) | 120 mg |
| % Recommended dietary intake per serving |
Based on the nutrition information panel above, what is a possible nutrition content claim that could be accurately featured on this food product?
The product is a good source of fibre.
The product is high in calcium.
Diets high in calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Calcium is good for bones and teeth.
Reveal Answer
The product is a good source of fibre.
The product contains less than 1 g of dietary fibre per serving, so it cannot accurately be claimed as a good source of fibre.
The product is high in calcium.
A nutrition content claim describes the amount of a nutrient in a food. Since the product contains 26% of the RDI for calcium per serving (meeting the threshold for a 'good source' or 'high in' claim), this is an accurate nutrition content claim.
Diets high in calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
This statement is a high-level health claim because it references a relationship between a nutrient and a serious disease (osteoporosis), rather than simply stating the nutrient content.
Calcium is good for bones and teeth.
This statement is a general-level health claim because it describes the effect of a nutrient on a normal health function (bones and teeth), rather than being a nutrition content claim.