Good health and adequate nutrition are probably the two most desirable criteria by which we judge the quality of life. Furthermore as life expectancy increases so the influence of diet upon health becomes very important as we wish to remain fit and active for a much longer time than was possible in the past. Fortunately, medical science has overcome many diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. A modern strategy is now to avoid disease and to place less reliance on the routine use of antibiotics and other medicinal products, and nutrition plays an important role here.
Nutrients are the usually recognised components of food such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
These all play different but important roles in delaying the onset of diseases, controlling microbial spoilage of food, improving the digestion of food and helping the absorption of nutrients from the gastro-intestinal tract so as to provide nutrients for growth and development of the body. Nutricines provide the crucial link between health and nutrition. Ever increasing amounts of product cutting and packaging are being done centrally. Many retailers may no longer prepare retail cuts, but now they handle a much wider variety products and need an extensive knowledge of meat cuts and muscle foods. With the ever-increasing global trading of meat, specifications are needed for exporters and importers.