The modern food industry is a marvel of human 1. ?

Explanation

Correct Answer: creativity

A noun is needed following the adjective ‘human’ to act as the object of the preposition ‘of’.

(CREATE), but it has also brought new challenges to our health. For many, a simple trip to the grocery store can be a source of 2. ?

Explanation

Correct Answer: anxiety

A noun is required after ‘source of’ to describe a feeling or state.

(ANXIOUS) as they navigate long lists of ingredients. One of the primary concerns is the widespread use of chemical 3. ?

Explanation

Correct Answer: sweeteners

A plural noun is needed to refer to a category of chemical substances used in food.

(SWEET) and 4. ?

Explanation

Correct Answer: preservatives

A plural noun is required to match the parallel structure with ‘sweeteners’.

(PRESERVE), which are added to enhance flavor or extend shelf life. While these additives are generally considered 5. ?

Explanation

Correct Answer: unsafe

An adjective is needed. Although regulators often consider them safe, the context of advocacy arguments here points toward ‘unsafe’.

(SAFE) by regulators, some health advocates argue that their long-term effects are not yet thoroughly understood.

Beyond chemical additives, the origin of our food has become a major concern. Many consumers now prefer 6. ?

Explanation

Correct Answer: home-grown

A compound adjective is needed to describe ‘produce’ that is not transported over long distances.

(GROW) produce, believing it to be fresher and more 7. ?

Explanation

Correct Answer: beneficial

An adjective is needed after ‘more’ to describe the produce.

(BENEFIT) than items that have been transported across continents. This shift is partly driven by an increased 8. ?

Explanation

Correct Answer: awareness

A noun is needed after the adjective ‘increased’ to describe the public’s understanding.

(AWARE) of the environmental impact of large-scale industrial farming.

However, food safety isn’t just about the environment; it’s also about biology. For individuals with a severe food 9. ?

Explanation

Correct Answer: allergy

A noun is required to complete the phrase ‘severe food allergy’.

(ALLERGEN), a lack of clear labeling can be 10. ?

Explanation

Correct Answer: life-threatening

A compound adjective is needed to describe how dangerous the lack of labeling can be.

(LIFE). Even a trace amount of a hidden 11. ?

Explanation

Correct Answer: poisonous

An adjective is needed to describe the ‘substance’.

(POISON) substance or an 12. ?

Explanation

Correct Answer: undeclared

An adjective (specifically a past participle with a negative prefix) is needed to describe the ‘allergen’.

(DECLARE) allergen can lead to an emergency room visit.