Food Specifications as a Language learning Tool in ESP Classes

The aim of this note is to discuss Food Specifications as a workplace genre and its use in EFL learning contexts. Present results come from ongoing research carried out, between language and content teachers, for the Degree in Mediterranean Sciences and Health at the University of Messina, Italy. Food Specifications, regulated by national and EU legislation, have a twofold use in Food Science: they describe foodstuffs’ and agricultural products’ characteristics to safeguard quality and to guide consumers make informed choices. Although the present discussion originates from a specific learning context, results are shared to foster research on a genre that has not attracted the attention of ESP practitioners and to offer an example to be exploited in EFL classes.