Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

How can an individual determine if food is of good quality?

1. By checking for its expiration date

2. By grading it based on established criteria

3. By tasting small samples

4. By examining its packaging

The correct answer is: By grading it based on established criteria

Determining food quality often involves a systematic approach that includes evaluating specific attributes based on established criteria. Grading food usually involves assessing its characteristics such as freshness, flavor, size, and overall appearance against recognized standards. This method not only provides a reliable way to determine quality but also allows for comparisons between different batches or brands, enabling individuals to make informed choices about the food they consume. Although checking expiration dates, tasting samples, and examining packaging can provide useful hints about food quality, these methods are more subjective and less comprehensive than a grading system based on established criteria. For example, an expiration date might indicate safety but doesn’t always reflect quality, as food can still be of acceptable quality before that date. Tasting can give a personal perspective, but it may not represent the overall quality and safety of the entire batch. Similarly, while attractive packaging can be indicative of quality, it doesn't necessarily guarantee that the food inside meets high standards. Therefore, grading food according to standardized criteria is the most effective method for assessing its quality comprehensively.