Title: Unveiling Our Food Choices: A
Critical Examination of Fossil Fuel
Footprint, Ingredient Safety, and
Economic Impact
Subtitle: Exploring the Implications
of Everyday Food Purchases
Date: 2024-04-01
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Fresh Tomatoes: Unveiling the Fossil
Fuel Footprint
Instant Indomie Noodles: Delving
into Ingredient Safety
Palm Oil: Unraveling Economic
Impact
Overall Summary
References
FRESH
TOMATOES
A staple in
Nigerian cuisine,
are sourced locally
from a nearby
market.
Tomatoes are among the most
popular and widely used
vegetables around the world, but
probably nowhere more so than
in Nigeria, where they constitute
18% of the diet. From omelets
and soups to banana and rice
dishes, no meal is complete in
this West African nation without
this fleshy fruit.
The fossil fuel footprint of these
locally sourced tomatoes is
lower compared to tomatoes
that are transported over long
distances (YieldWise, 2023).
These fresh tomatoes likely
traveled a relatively short
distance to reach the local
farmer's market and then to
your kitchen.
According to a study by
the University of
Michigan Center for
Sustainable Systems,
produce that is grown and
consumed locally can
have up to 50% lower
greenhouse gas emissions
than produce that is
transported across the
country or internationally.
The travel distance may be as
little as a few miles or as
much as a hundred miles,
depending on your location
and how close the market is.
When compared to tomatoes
that are transported over
great distances or imported
from other nations, the
reduced transportation
distance results in a
noticeably lower fossil fuel
footprint.
The shorter travel
distance reduces
carbon dioxide,
nitrogen and lower
greenhouse gas
emissions associated
with transportation, as
less fuel is consumed
during transit
(YieldWise, 2023).
Additionally, local sourcing
supports the regional economy,
reducing the dependence on global
supply chains and mitigating
environmental impacts such as
deforestation and habitat
destruction often associated with
large-scale agricultural production
and transportation (Babadara,
2023).
IN THIS SCENARIO,
LET'S ASSUME THE
TOMATOES TRAVELED
50 MILES FROM THE
FARM TO THE
FARMER'S MARKET,
AND THEN AN
ADDITIONAL 10 MILES
TO REACH THE
CONSUMER'S
KITCHEN. THIS
TOTALS TO 60 MILES.
Alternatives to further reduce
the fossil fuel footprint include:
The search results indicate that
ocally-grown tomatoes have a
much lower carbon footprint
compared to tomatoes
transported over long
distances. Prioritize buying
tomatoes that are grown and
ourced within a short distance,
such as from local farms or
egional producers. (Wakeland
et al., 2012)
By growing tomatoes in your
backyard or community
garden, you eliminate
transportation emissions and
have full control over the
growing process, ensuring
freshness and reducing reliance
on commercial agriculture.
And also preserving and
storing through canning
freezing or drying method
They also are a great source
of vitamin C, potassium,
folate, and vitamin K. Air
transportation has a
significantly higher carbon
footprint compared to other
modes of transportation like
shipping or trucking. Try to
avoid tomatoes that are air-
freighted, especially those
with a short shelf-life that
require rapid transport
(Hannah, 2020).
By implementing these
strategies, consumers will
significantly reduce the
carbon footprint associated
with transporting and
consuming tomatoes. The
key is to prioritize locally
sourced, sustainably-
produced tomatoes and
minimize the use of energy-
intensive transportation
methods like air freight.
INDOMIE
INSTANT
NOODLES
Rows of Indomie
instant noodle packets,
a popular processed
food choice in Nigeria,
lining the shelves of a
local supermarket.
While instant noodles offer
convenience, they often contain
a concern collection of artificial
additives, preservatives, and
flavor enhancers which are the
keys concerns around the
safety of Indomie instant
noodles that may pose health
risks, these additives are often
used to enhance taste, texture,
and shelf life but may pose
health risks when consumed
regularly.(Madiha et al., 2017)
Come common ingredients found in
instant noodles include:
Monosodium glutamate (MSG): A
flavor enhancer used to enhance the
savory taste of the noodles. MSG
has been used as an indomie additive
for many years, Excessive
consumption of MSG has been
linked to adverse health effects such
as headaches, nausea, Chest pain,
sweating, and allergic reactions in
some individuals (Katherine, 2022).
Artificial colorings: These are
added to give the noodles a vibrant
appearance. Certain artificial
colorings, such as tartrazine
(E102), have been associated with
hyperactivity in many and poses
health risks when consumed in
large quantities, Tartrazine serves
colorant in food, drugs, and
cosmetics, appears to cause the
most allergic and intolerant
reactions of all the azo dyes,
particularly among asthmatics and
those with an aspirin intolerance
(Wikipedia, 2024).
Chemical preservatives like sodium
benzoate and potassium sorbate are
often added to prolong the shelf life
of instant noodles. These
preservatives have been linked to
various health concerns, including
allergic reactions and disruptions in
gut microbiota, larger amounts of
sodium benzoate may be prescribed
to treat elevated blood levels of
ammonia (McCulloch, 2023).
Hydrogenated oils: Trans fats
derived from hydrogenated oils are
commonly used in the
manufacturing process of instant
noodles to improve texture and
increase shelf stability.
Consumption of trans fats has been
strongly linked to an increased risk
of heart disease and other
cardiovascular disorders (Seitz &
Fletcher, 2023).
This suggests the use of
high-quality, locally-
sourced wheat.Wheat
flour is a common and
widely-used ingredient in
many food products,
including instant noodles.
When properly processed
and handled, wheat flour
is generally considered
safe for consumption.
The research article from
ResearchGate mentions that instant
noodles, including Indomie, are
often made with fortified wheat
flour to improve the micronutrient
content. Fortification with vitamins
and minerals can help address
potential nutrient deficiencies,
making the noodles a more
nutritious option.( Kayla et al.,
2017)
The study on health risk assessment of
instant noodles in Nigeria found that
some brands of instant noodles,
including Indomie, contained elevated
levels of heavy metals like lead (Pb) and
nickel (Ni). The presence of these
contaminants is due to the raw
ingredients used, such as wheat flour, and
the manufacturing process. It suggests
that long-term consumption of certain
Indomie brands could pose health risks,
particularly for lead exposure.( Kayla et
al., 2017)
PALM OIL
A bottle of palm oil,
a common cooking
ingredient in
Nigerian cuisine,
prominently
displayed on a
supermarket shelf.
The production of palm oil has
been linked to significant
environmental and social
concerns, including
deforestation, habitat
destruction, and the
displacement of indigenous
communities. A report by the
World Wildlife Fund estimates
that palm oil production is
responsible for the destruction
of approximately 300 football
fields' worth of rainforests every
hour (WWF, 1986).
FARMERS
⬇️
LOCAL
⬇️
COLLECTORS/MIDDLEMEN
PROCESSING FACILITIES
⬇️
⬇️
REFINERIES
⬇️
DISTRIBUTORS/EXPORTERS
⬇️
RETAILERS
CONSUMERS
The search results do not
provide specific details on the
profit margins for supermarkets
selling palm oil products.
However, the supermarket likely
holds significant bargaining
power and can negotiate
favorable terms with palm oil
suppliers, allowing them to
capture a larger share of the
profits (World Wildlife Fund,
2021).
The major retailer is the
supermarket, most of the
money paid for the palm oil
goes to the supermarket,
covering operating costs,
overheads, and profit
margins. Supermarkets
typically have a significant
markup on products,
allowing them to generate
profits from each sale
(Engagethechain, 2022).
The search results highlight the
important role of smallholder
farmers in the palm oil industry, with
an estimated 40% of global palm oil
production coming from
smallholdings(Unilever PLC, 2024).
The portion of the money received
by the farmer for the palm oil varies
depending on factors such as market
prices, production costs, and
bargaining power. In many cases,
smallholder farmers receive a
relatively small share of the retail
price, as middlemen and processing
companies often take a significant
cut (Unilever PLC, 2024).
The palm oil industry is
dominated by large,
multinational corporations, such
as Unilever and Mondelez, If the
palm oil is sourced from a large
corporation, a portion of the
profits may go to shareholders as
dividends. Shareholders invest in
the company with the expectation
of earning returns on their
investment, which are distributed
in the form of dividends or
reinvested to fuel company
growth (Unilever PLC, 2024).
In summary, the
impact of choosing
these three food items
(locally sourced
tomatoes, Indomie
instant noodles, and
conventional palm oil)
is mixed and beneficial
effects.
Fresh Tomatoes: Buying fresh
tomatoes from local markets
supports local farmers and
contributes to the local
economy. Locally sourced
tomatoes generally require less
transportation, reducing
carbon emissions associated
with long-distance shipping.
Supporting local farmers who
practice sustainable farming
methods encourages
environmentally friendly
agricultural practices.
Instant Noodles: While indomie
instant noodles are convenient,
regular consumption of instant
noodles may pose health risks due
to the presence of artificial
additives and preservatives. By
being aware of the ingredients and
consuming instant noodles in
moderation, consumers can
mitigate potential health impacts.
Exploring healthier noodle
options or homemade
alternatives using fresh, whole-
food ingredients can provide a
more nutritious choice.
Palm Oil: Conventional palm oil
production is associated with
deforestation, habitat destruction,
and biodiversity loss. Choosing
sustainably sourced or fair trade
palm oil helps mitigate these
environmental impacts. Ethical
sourcing of palm oil supports fair
labor practices, protects indigenous
communities' rights, and promotes
social responsibility in the supply
chain. By understanding the social
and environmental implications of
palm oil production, consumers can
make informed choices and drive
demand for sustainable alternatives.
Overall, consumers have the
power to make conscious
decisions that not only satisfy
their immediate needs but also
consider broader social,
environmental, and ethical
considerations. By supporting
local farmers, choosing healthier
options, and advocating for
sustainable practices, consumers
can positively impact food
systems and contribute to a
healthier, more sustainable future
(Nemecek, 2018).
REFERENCES
Hannah, R. (2020, January 24). You want to reduce the carbon
footprint of your food? focus on what you eat, not whether your food
is local. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/food-choice-
vs-eating-local
John Babadara. (2023, June 23). Bending the curve of tomato loss can
help Nigerian farmers, reduce poverty. CALS.
https://cals.cornell.edu/news/2023/06/bending-curve-tomato-loss-can-
help-nigerian-farmers-reduce-poverty
Kayla L Bronder, Sarah L Zimmerman, Annoek van den Wijngaart,
& Karen Codling. (2017, March). (PDF) instant noodles made with
fortified wheat flour to improve ...
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316665623_Instant_noodles
_made_with_fortified_wheat_flour_to_improve_micronutrient_intake
_in_Asia_A_review_of_simulation_nutrient_retention_and_sensory_st
udies
Katherine Zeratsky, R. D. (2022, April 20). How does your body react
to MSG? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-
lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/monosodium-
glutamate/faq-20058196
Madiha, S., Malik, Dr, Khan, Muhammad, Ain, Qurrat Ul, & khan,
Rabia. (2017, June 15). (PDF) instant noodles: Are they really good
for health? A review. ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318217339_Instant_Noodles
_Are_they_Really_Good_for_Health_A_Review
McCulloch, M. (2023, July 3). Sodium benzoate: Uses, dangers, and
safety. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sodium-
benzoate
Nemecek, T, J. P. (2018, June 1). Reducing Food’s Environmental
Impacts through Producers and ...
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaq0216
REFERENCES
Palm Oil. Engage the Chain. (2022, July 6).
https://engagethechain.org/palm-oil
Palm Oil. WWF. (1986).
https://wwf.panda.org/discover/our_focus/food_practice/su
stainable_production/palm_oil/
Seitz, A., & Fletcher , J. (2023, September). Hydrogenated oil:
What is it? is it bad? learn more here. Medical News Today.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hydrogentated-
oil
Unilever PLC. (2024, March 21). Sustainable and
deforestation-free palm oil. Unilever.
https://www.unilever.com/planet-and-society/protect-
and-regenerate-nature/sustainable-palm-oil/
Wakeland, W., Cholette, S., & Venkat, K. (2012). Chapter
9 Food transportation issues and reducing carbon
footprint. Green Technologies in Food Production and
Processing, Food Engineering Series.
http://cleanmetrics.com/pages/Ch9_0923.pdf
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, March 19). Tartrazine.
Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartrazine
World Wildlife Fund. (2021). What is Palm Oil? Facts
about the palm oil industry. WWF.
https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/palm-oil
YieldWise. (2023). Saving tomatoes for the sauce - the
Rockefeller Foundation.
https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/wp-
content/uploads/2021/04/YieldWise-Tomato-Overview-
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